School children across Berkshire and Oxfordshire get mental health rucksacks

Comic books, playing cards and journals are some of the wellbeing tools that will be in the bags

School children will be given backpacks filled with items to support their mental health.

More than 1,000 pupils aged between 10 and 12 will take part in the Resilience Rucksack project led by the University of Reading.

Comic books, playing cards and journals are some of the wellbeing tools that will be in the bags.

Rucksacks will be distributed at fairs at eight schools in Reading, Wokingham, Abingdon and Newbury.

Around 1,200 pupils in Years Six and Seven will attend to learn more about the science behind psychological resilience and choose the types of tools they want to take away and try.

Prof Stella Chan at the University of Reading, who is leading the project, said: "The transition from primary to secondary school can be an incredibly challenging time for young people's mental health.

"By engaging pupils directly in this innovative and creative way, we hope to provide them with fun and evidenced-based tools to support their resilience throughout their school years, and for life."

Pupil led project

Over two years the University of Reading, has worked with young people, teachers, parents and mental health experts to create the wellbeing products.

It hopes to promote the importance of healthy sleep, physical activity, self-compassion and friendships for children.

Prof Chan said: "A key focus has been not just looking at the research but truly listening to the lived experience of young people themselves through co-production.

"We are immensely grateful to the schools, pupils, parents and other partners who have engaged so enthusiastically with this project.

"By working together in this way, we hope to deliver a real positive impact on the mental health of young people in our communities."

The £100,000 initiative was made possible through fundraising and support from partners.

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