Three wellbeing groups have been piloted in three secondary schools. The pupils who attended were:
- At risk of not attending school or currently not attending.
- Pupils with anxiety that is impacting on their ability to cope in school.
- Have autism and/or social communication difficulties.
The programme delivered twelve sessions which aimed to enhance self-esteem, teach some self-help anxiety reducing strategies and practice social skills.
The programme aims were:
- Identify individual’s strengths, likes and dislikes – this will help to increase self-esteem. Pupils will be more likely to engage with enjoyable, productive activities. It will aid goal setting and motivation.
- Improve ability to identify, discuss and explore emotions and feelings related to anxiety – this will help pupils to self-regulate and respond to situations more positively. Pupils will be more able to identify their feelings.
- Relaxation techniques – pupils will have techniques to use to help them calm.
- Social Skills Practice – this will help pupils become more confident in their social interactions and more able to make and maintain friendships and social relationships.
- Develop ability to solve problems independently – this will help to increase self-esteem and self-efficacy. Pupils will feel more empowered to confront challenges and try out new experiences.
The Stirling Children’s Wellbeing Scale was used as a measure.
