A CARING mum is helping children across the area find their confidence and self-belief with brand new wellness sessions.
Sarah Burton is helping deliver the Gratitude Programme after hearing that Oldham and Tameside are among the worse areas in the country for childhood depression.
The mum of three joined the community interest company to help children understand and trust themselves and be happier in their own decisions.
And after a fantastic response from pupils on the pilot programme at Buckton Vale Primary in Carrbrook, she hopes more schools across Saddleworth will get on-board.
Sarah explained: “We want to help children know themselves so they can make sensible, healthy and self-protective decisions rather than just follow the crowd.
“Some children can find it hard growing up but it is about showing everybody we are all different and that they do fit in.
“We’re really grateful to Buckton Vale for letting us use them as a pilot. They have been really open and forward thinking with the project.”
Activities for the year four pupils have included talking about trust and self-belief, drawing, making choices on their own in front of the class and laughter yoga.
Sarah revealed: “One of the activities is to offer a hug or handshake and we see if pupils follow their friends or choose what they want. It has been interesting to see how the choices changed over the weeks.
“Pupils are learning to follow what they want to do and how they feel rather than what their classmates are doing and they know they won’t be made fun of.”
Feedback from children and parents has shown the positive impact of the programme, with comments including ‘fewer friendship issues now’ and ‘helping to talk about worries’.
Headmaster Mr Hunter added: “We are very proud of our school, pupils, parents and the wider community and the work they do with our pupils.
“Growth mindset shows students who believe they can grow their basic abilities have greater motivation and higher achievements.”
Sarah added: “Now we want to go on and help the broader community too. We also offer teenage and adult groups, as well as work on a one-to-one basis.
“There is also the Little Gratitude Programme for preschool age up to six years old, which is story-based to help children get a sense of identity.
“We really want to make a difference to people’s lives and our team includes parents, teachers, psychologists, nurses to help deliver the scheme.”
Anyone interested in joining the Gratitude Programme should email thegratitudeprogramme@mail.com or call Sarah on: 07814 960224.
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