A priority for us all in 2022 is understanding how we as educators can respond to the adverse impact of COVID19 on mental health. Good mental health for staff, children and young people begins with awareness raising and the development of an open, inclusive culture where individuals feel comfortable in talking about their wellbeing and supported in nurturing healthy self-care practice. The creation of a caring and compassionate Wellbeing Culture enables everyone to thrive in our new normal school communities.

Teachers and educators are uniquely placed to be positive role models by demonstrating the life-enhancing skills pupils need to help time-limit and mitigate anxiety and stress caused by COVID19.

As Ginott¹ says of teachers:
1H. (1976) Teacher and Child, Macmillan New York

Do-BeMindful empowers staff, parents/carers, children and young people to care for their own mental wellbeing through Mindfulness-inspired education. We create dynamic, sustainable Mindful learning communities that foster a calm, kind and supportive culture. Our unique whole-school approach utilises blended-learning via a purpose-built online platform that’s inclusive, flexible and accessible to all.

In 2020 we created our Foundation Trauma-sensitive Mindfulness Programme for staff and our Resilience-based Recovery Programmes for Early Years, Primary and Secondary pupils. These equip participants with practical knowledge of self-care and personal mental wellbeing, while nurturing the emotional resilience needed to cope with uncertainty and stress. Our Do-BeMindful Programmes have already delivered positive, measurable outcomes in over 500 schools and Early Years Settings, to more than 3,500 staff and 10,000 pupils.

Each Do-BeMindful programme builds a Mindfulness Toolbox that fosters sustainable personal practice in fun and enriching ways. Programmes include 8 weeks of inspirational learning notes, guided experiential practices, inspiring videos, learner-led activities, reflection exercises, inspiring lesson ideas linked to the Curriculum, access to an online community that offers peer-to-peer support and facilitates sharing of innovative ideas. For more information see our programmes For Educators, Early Years, Primary and Secondary.