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MiLife C19 is a brand new resource developed by young people, for young people in response to the effects of COVID19 on mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Developed by Youth Councillors
It’s a FREE programme, developed by Epping Forest Youth Councillors and the Red Balloon Foundation and funded by Epping Forest District Council as part of its Covid recovery work.
Based on a ten-session teaching guide the programme is designed for use both in school and at home to help young people understand what effects Covid-19 might have had on their mental health and how they can build their resilience.
Nine schools across the district have already signed up. Pupils in years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 will receive the lessons and take part in the activities. These include physical, cultural and craft activities.
The original MiLife was launched in 2016, in partnership with the Red Balloon Foundation.
Younger peoples’ mental health and wellbeing
Holly Whitbread, Cabinet Member for Communities said:
MiLife C19 is all about giving young people the tools they need to not just survive but thrive in the ‘new normal’, post-Covid world.
Our youth councillors came up with the C19 programme as an add-on to their original, award-winning MiLife programme which focuses on younger peoples’ mental health and wellbeing.
Videos and activities
Brand new content includes videos packed with practical ideas and activities to help build emotional resilience and wellbeing. There are even some great home creativity projects to try that could provide focus in stressful situations. It also signposts young people to the many organisations that offer support for a range of health and wellbeing issues.
The programme is delivered during school time and schools can sign up to join until October.
Pupils complete an online assessment at the start and again at the end to demonstrate the learning acquired and how they have been feeling during lockdown and during Covid recovery.
Raise awareness of mental health
Tom McGarr, student wellbeing coordinator at West Hatch High School praised the programme, saying it is an absolutely amazing resource for young people.
The council has produced such a good resource in a time when mental health and well-being is so vitally important. One of the best things about the program is that it has been produced with the input and help of young people who are directly affected by the concerns raised.
The issues raised and discussion points allow for a good conversation with pupils and it leads to developing coping strategies for dealing with difficult or worrying situations. Whilst the course highlights and raises the awareness of mental health and adapting to life due to the effects of the pandemic it also enhances the resilience of pupils which is needed more than ever now.
As a teacher I cannot thank the team enough for their hard work and the resourced lessons that they have produced.
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