We recognise that the COVID-19 pandemic has been really tough for our children (and their families) and that many of them (and you) are anxious about the return to a more ‘normal’ way of life. We wanted to ensure that on return to school and our ‘new normal’, our children were supported to develop the skills needed for them to manage and prevent anxiety and go on to become engaged and thriving individuals.

With pupil wellbeing as our key focus for the Autumn term, we have introduced the Friends Resilience programme which we are teaching across school. You can find out more about this programme here https://www.friendsresilience.org/

The Friends Resilience Skills have been endorsed by the World Health Organisation as best practice for the prevention of anxiety and depression. The resources have developmentally appropriate techniques for different age groups, from young children to adults. The skills are updated regularly to integrate innovative, state of the art concepts and techniques, proved effective by published, peer reviewed research.

Alongside the programme we are teaching in school, children can access the FRIENDS Programmes app. The game app is available to download for free on the Apple App Store - search ‘The FRIENDS Programs Game’.

The FRIENDS game is based on the FRIENDS social coaching and development programs, and covers content suitable for children participating in the Friends For Life (age 8-11) and Fun Friends (age 4-7) programmes. It is designed to reinforce the concepts learnt in the FRIENDS program through a fun, interactive electronic medium.