Leeds Beckett University and Teachappy Partnership

Launching a NEW Partnership

Schools will now have access to a wide range of resources to help build a healthy mental health wellbeing culture as pupils and staff head into the new academic year. 

The initiative has been created by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, based at LBU, in partnership with Bounce Together and Teachappy. It aims to support teachers and equip schools with the tools they need to look after the mental health of its staff and pupils.

BounceTogether supply a flexible software tool that's designed for schools to measure the wellbeing of its whole community. Using validated questionnaires, this provides a way in which to help schools understand the unique issues facing its pupils and staff.

The package will include access to online training, workshops and resources, which will feature themes such as developing positive relationships, mindfulness, the science of kindness and stress management. Schools will also have the opportunity to work towards the School Mental Health Award, which is a research informed, evidence-based framework that supports schools in developing a whole school approach to mental health. 

Professor Damien Page, Dean of the Carnegie School of Education, said:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with BounceTogether and Teachappy to provide a portfolio of resources for schools which will include wellbeing surveys, professional learning and the School Mental Health Award for school leaders to support the mental health and wellbeing of both staff and pupils.”

Bob Wilkinson, Managing Director of BounceTogether, said:

“Given the drastic changes to the school and home routines of children and young people, schools are finding themselves in uncharted waters heading into the new academic year. If one in 10 children were suffering from mental health issues before lockdown, it seems obvious that this will be increased given the events of the past six months. By partnering with Leeds Beckett University and Teachappy we can provide a solution and help equip schools with the tools they need to look after their wellbeing and help build a healthy wellbeing culture, when it is needed most.”

The framework for the School Mental Health Award, which is currently being accessed by over 900 schools both nationally and internationally, ensures that mental health and wellbeing for all members of the school community is a strategic priority. 

The award has proven impact that schools have improved the wellbeing of pupils through creating school environments which embrace diversity and engender a sense of belonging, leading to an increase in pupil attendance and improving staff wellbeing by creating positive workplace cultures, prioritising staff wellbeing through reducing staff workload and developing innovative models of coaching. 

These developments have led to a reduction in staff turnover, increased staff retention and led to improvements to staff wellbeing.