Our Approach

‘A Confident ME’ is an early intervention programme that comprises of 8 carefully developed sections. The programme uses neuroscience along with up to date research to build children’s knowledge and understanding, empowering them a new found level of self-belief. This knowledge is then put into practise through fun and engaging activities. These newly developed skills embed positive habits and over time shift mindsets.

Our programme also engages the whole family for a wider and long lasting impact.

Who it will benefit

‘A Confident ME’ would benefit EVERYONE. In an ideal world all young people in your establishment will have access to the programme. However, some young people need more help than others to discover their true brilliance. These young people tend to fall into one of three categories;

• Having low self-esteem
• Being disengaged with learning
• Struggling with BIG emotions

How it works

The programme is hugely flexible and is initially designed to be used with a small group of young people by a teacher, T.A. learning mentor or pastoral lead. We recommend this to be one designated person who will become your ‘in-house’ A Confident ME coach.

With experience of using our fully comprehensive programme the coach will become an expert in the resource and with this insight can start using the programme with greater flexibility. For example identifying young people’s specific needs and matching them with certain aspects of the programme in targeted groups as well as working one to one. Additionally, certain workshops are ideal for whole class Mental Health theme days.

Each workshop features 8 sections

Mindful Moments

In our mindful moments we learn that all emotions are okay, we practice being with our thoughts and feelings as well as letting them go. This practice of quieting the mind helps tune into our inner peace, a place we have within us all, a refuge. Throughout the course we learn breathing techniques, peer massage and mindfulness activities, all of which improve concentration, focus and overall wellbeing.

“We can’t stop the waves but we can learn to surf” – Jon Kabat Zinn

Brain Box

This section is packed with enlightening neuroscience and positive psychology that underpins much of what is included in the course. Simply understanding the basics of how the brain works and how incredibly malleable it is, allows us to feel more powerful than we can ever imagine. This knowledge unlocks the belief that we can ALL achieve great things. Brain box is a vital part of becoming A Confident ME.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you are right.”

Mindset Matters

During Mindset Matters we recognise how our emotional state has the power, if we let it, to control us. We learn to accept that life will not always be fun or easy, and how to manage those difficult moments. In this section we put into action the skills of mindfulness, mindset shifting as well as the knowledge we have learnt in our Brain Box section.

“When things change inside you, things change around you”

Be Inspired

This short and inspiring section introduces us to people with amazing strength of character that links perfectly to the weekly workshop. We should all have positive role models in our lives that motivate and lift us to make the changes we need to be our best, confident selves.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world” - Gandhi

Connect

Humans are born to connect – it’s in our DNA. This engaging section of the programme includes games, opportunities to talk, building friendships and realising the commonality between us. People who have the skills to develop good relationships are happier, healthier and live longer.

“Feeling Connected to each other is a basic human need”

Creative

This section encourages participants to express and interpret their emotions, feelings and goals creatively. We also hope that participants see that when we are relaxed, feel safe and connected to others we can enjoy the feeling that creativity brings, and how we can use these skills as a form of relaxation.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up”– Pablo Picasso

Goals for Growth

If we want to grow, change and become our confident best we must put our learning into practise. We don’t ever grow on belief alone. The goals for growth section of the programme is about using the weekly skills and knowledge taught and embedding them in our daily lives.  If we commit to these new habits they will be truly life changing.

“Genius is one percent Inspiration and ninety- nine percent perspiration”

Stronger Together Newsletter

This section of the course comes home to caregivers in the form of a weekly newsletter.  It contains an outline of the session, activities to continue and complete at home and an explanation of how the caregiver can get involved too. We recognise that the caregiver is a powerful role and we are all striving to impact our children’s lives in a positive way.  The ‘Stronger Together Newsletter’ is a vital key to the success of the Confident ME Programme.

“It is easier to build strong children than it is to repair broken adults” – F. Douglass