Latest news with #MedEquip4Kids
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Alarming children's mental health condition fact revealed in Bolton conference
One in five children in the North West has a probable diagnosable mental health condition. This alarming fact was revealed at the first Bolton conference for the Hummingbird Project, which aims to improve children's mental health. Project manager Ian Platt, who has delivered the bulk of the in-school sessions including at several schools in Bolton, described that figure as 'wildly optimistic". Hummingbird Project conference project manager Ian Platt (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh) The project involves a free, six-week positive psychology intervention for regional schools. It was started and is funded by Manchester-based charity MedEquip4Kids, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. It was developed by the University of Greater Manchester under Professor Jerome Carson of the psychology department and also now backed by researchers at two other universities – Chester and the Open University. As Catherine North, Hummingbird development manager, explained at the conference, it was created in response to concerns about children's mental health and 'overwhelmed' services for them. The project has been accessed so far by 8,600 pupils aged seven to 18 in the North West. It covers happiness, kindness, gratitude, mindfulness, character strengths, resilience and growth mindsets. A rapt audience including teachers heard how the courses have resulted in measurable improvements in well-being and hope and reductions in anxiety and depression. Catherine North identified some of the root causes of children's problems as abuse and trauma, social media and low self-esteem, pandemic legacy, deprivation and cost of living pressures. Hummingbird has already led to various developments in the mental health field. A computer game is proposed and there are plans to take the project to London. Mr Platt has also been working with parents delivering the Bounce Back intervention at mental health charity MhIST to improve their wellbeing. Conference speakers included Ifthakar Khaliq from Bolton's Essa Academy, Claudine McFaul from the Open University and Ana-Cristina Tuluceanu from the University of Greater Manchester. Hummingbird project co-ordinator Sonia Ebenezer-Bamigbayan, Kati-Anne Roughley from Haslam Park Primary School in Bolton, Dr Kevin Hochard and Dr Michelle Tytherleigh both from the University of Chester and Sarah Hobson from St Bede CE Primary Academy in Bolton also spoke. The mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, and Dr Ghazala Baig, chief executive officer of MedEquip4Kids, gave the concluding comments. Prof Carson described the conference as 'a great success,' adding that the project 'needs more national roll-out".
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Focus on children's mental health in Bolton as specialists lead conference
How to look after the mental health of children will take centre stage at a conference in Bolton this summer. The conference will showcase The Hummingbird Project, a six-week Positive Psychology course designed to empower young people to flourish and thrive. The course is delivered free of charge to schools by children's charity MedEquip4Kids in partnership with researchers from the University of Greater Manchester, the University of Chester, and the Open University. So far more than 8,000 primary and secondary pupils across the region have taken part in the project, reporting increased wellbeing and happiness, as well as reduced signs of anxiety and depression. MedEquip4Kids (Image: MedEquip4Kids)READ MORE: The conference is set to take place on Friday July 11 from 10am at the Deane Lecture Theatre, Senate House in the University of Greater Manchester. The course covers the following topics: happiness, kindness, gratitude, mindfulness, character strengths, resilience, and growth mindsets. Each session includes interactive and engaging activities. At the end of the course, schools receive a box of resources including books, sensory toys, and games to reinforce their learning. The conference takes place on July 11, starting at 10am. Attendance is free to register visit : With mental health challenges said to be at a record high among children and teenagers, the Hummingbird Project is designed to offer a solution to support emotional resilience in schools. It is thought to be the only multi-component programme of its kind in the UK offered entirely free to both primary and secondary schools. The event will be chaired by Professor Jerome Carson from the University of Greater Manchester, who is a leading authority in Positive Psychology and mental health. Professor Carson said: 'Rising problems in children's mental health have been an increasing concern over the last decade and especially since the pandemic. 'The Hummingbird Project incorporates the latest research from Positive Psychology to improve young people's wellbeing, help them thrive and get the most out of life. 'The project is a great example of Knowledge Exchange between the university and the charity MedEquip4Kids for the benefit of thousands of young people.' The conference, which will be attended by the Mayor of Bolton, will bring together local educators, psychologists and other healthcare professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to: - Hear insights from the staff and academic researchers behind the programme. - Discover how the course is delivered and evaluated in schools. - Learn how to bring the Hummingbird Project into more classrooms across the region.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Green-fingered youngsters at outstanding school set to transform their outdoor space
Green-fingered youngsters are digging deep to create their own little garden while enjoying the great outdoors. Green Fold Special School has been donated a multi-level planter which was designed by local artist Leon Davis. MedEquip4Kids bid for the planter on behalf of the school and it was funded by United Utilities. It will "enhance the outdoor space for children with disabilities", introducing them to rainwater management and recycling water for use at Green Fold, while also offering a diverse sensory experience for those with additional needs. It was unveiled during VE Day celebrations on May 8. Children also baked scones which were judged by guests - all were found to be excellent - as well as singing and signing 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. A child with the new facility (Image: United Utilities) Headteacher at Green Fold School, Lisa Walker said: 'We are exceptionally grateful to United Utilities, Mediequipuk and Leon on the design team for working with our assistant headteacher Jordanna Whittleston on funding and designing a unique gardening experience that is truly accessible to all of our children who represent those with the most complex and super special needs in the local authority. Read more: Pupils achieve highly at a school where they feel happy and safe Read more: Pupils are proud to attend this warm and welcoming school Read more: Former library to be remodelled to meet 'high demands' for special school places 'The children are delighted with the sensory experience that already this resource has been able to offer and we are looking forward to caring for it as a school community now and into the future. A huge thank you to all.' The VE Day celebrations (Image: United Utilities) Katy Bevan, Operations Manager for Rainwater Management at United Utilities said: 'We were delighted to jobs" target="_blank">work in partnership with Green Fold school, Leon Davis and MedEquip4Kids to help provide outdoor, accessible learning opportunities for students in the North West. "It was a pleasure to be a part of this project, and we look forward to hearing how the children learn more about rainwater management, and see how their plants thrive with their care." Tobias Hunt, Fundraising Partnerships Officer at MedEquip4Kids said: 'MedEquip4Kids are very proud to have organised the delivery of the wonderful planter to Green Fold. "This would simply not have been possible without the kind support from United Utilities and installation by Leon Davis Design. Thank you especially to Katy, Jordanna, and Leon."
