National
ImpactReport
Start
1.
6.
About Us
Awards
NHS and Charity Partners
2.
7.
Content
Case Studies
The Current Mental Health Climate
3.
8.
Testimonials
myHappymind in Action
4.
9.
Reach
National Impact Data
5.
Click the text above to navigate the report
About us
myHappymind is an award-winning whole-school and nursery programme that teaches children preventative habits supporting positive mental health, resilience, and self-esteem. Co-developed with schools across the nation, myHappymind is a universal offer for all schools but also has a programme for Alternative provision and SEN. myHappymind resources have been adapted for children who are hard of hearing or partially sighted and the programme has been commissioned by the NHS and Local Authorities in over 30 areas, often targeting schools identified by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), and is now in 2,000 settings nationally. This report outlines key findings from all large-scale roll-outs.
Backed by the NHS
myHappymind is proud to be on The NHS National Innovation Accelerator (NIA). The NIA is an NHS England initiative delivered in partnership with NHS England’s Health Innovation Network and hosted at UCLPartners. Launched in 2015 to support delivery of the Five Year Forward View, the NIA is highlighted in the NHS Long Term Plan, published in January 2019 and has the following aims:
Unlocking barriers nationally
Solution Identification
Supporting national spread
Real-world knowledge sharing
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Validated & Cost Effective
myHappymind has been independently validated by the University of Chester to prove it's efficacy in the Real World. Research from the UK Department of Health and Social Care suggests that for every £1 invested in mental health prevention, there is a return of at least £5 but up to £15 for school-based programmes that focus on early help and prevention. Their analysis show that there is a clear positive financial return of:
£1: £15
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A Proven Digital Solution Adopted at Pace & Scale
"myHappymind have shown a vast amount of experience and expertise in the delivery of their innovative whole school programme. We have successfully mobilised the myHappymind programme in Bradford over a period of only 8 weeks. Since announcing the successful bid for our well-being in primary schools contract through to onboarding schools the team have led and delivered precisely as promised. Our initial concerns of communicating the new programme with schools at the beginning of this term when there are competing demands on leadership time were not necessary as the myHappymind team were clear with what they knew would be needed and accepted by schools.
The subsequent successful mobilisation is a testament to the work of the team aswell as the clear ability of the technology involved to be implemented at pace. I would have no concerns in expanding the offer in Bradford and encouraging others to work with the team to deliver in their Place."
Jo Howes RN, SCPHN, FiHV
Reducing Inequalities Lead
, Bradford District Care Trust
Charity & VCSE Partners
myHappymind is proud to partner with charities and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations to give back to communities, reflecting our core mission to enhance mental well-being for all. Click the + for more information
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the current climate
This section provides insights into system-wide priorities and recurring patterns observed across educational professionals, pupils, and parents. By analysing key trends, we identify common challenges and successes in mental well-being, enabling targeted interventions and support. This data-driven approach helps refine strategies to better address the needs of of service users.
The Current Mental Health Climate
The current climate around mental health is increasingly concerning:
In the last 3 years, the likelihood of young people having a mental health problem has increased by
of children and young people show signs of improvement after being referred to CAMHS
of children and young people who experience mental health problems aren't getting the help they need.
75%
Less than
50%
50%
Source: Mental Health Foundation
Source: Children's Society
Source: Cambridge University Press
Priorities in Health
Following the publishing of the Darzi Report, The government has set out three key "shifts" for the NHS to meet the growing demand for mental health support.
Preventative Approach
Support in the community
Digital Solutions
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Priorities in Health
myHappymind directly aligns with NHS England's Long Term Plan and Government priorities:
Preventative Approach
Support in the community
Digital Solutions
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Priorities in Education
Before launching myHappymind, Local Authorities and Education settings report these key trends:
Poor staff morale
Low parent engagement
Children struggling to persevere and show resilience
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Priorities in Education
After launching myHappymind, Local Authorities and Education Settings report impact across three key areas:
Improved staff well-being
Increased Parent Engagement
Increased resilence & self-esteem in children
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Reach
National Reach
We're working nationally in c.2,000 schools across all 4 nations and is translated into the Welsh Language.
Star myHappymind schools
Click the stars to watch a video and see myHappymind in Action around the country.
Who we work with
33 Places nationally:
- Bexley
- Birmingham
- Bradford District and Craven
- Bury
- Bromley
- Blackpool
- Cheshire East
- Cheshire West
- Chorley and South Ribble
- Coventry
- Essex
- Frimley
- Gloucestershire
- Greater Preston
- Hampshire
- Harlow
- Harrogate
- Isle of Wight
- Kirklees
- North Wales
- Oldham
- Portsmouth
- Scarborough and Ryedale
- Sefton
- South Cumbria
- Southampton
- Somerset
- Tameside
- Tendring
- Warrington
- Warwickshire
- Wirral
- Wrexham
Reach
myHappymind is supporting over 940,000 children, parents and education staff nationally
Enough to fill Wembley Stadium over 10 times!
national impact data
This section summarises the national impact seen after implementing myHappymind across the academic year. It is structured around baseline data and the myHappymind system which is the framework of content delivered through the programme.
Meet Your Brain
Developing self-regulation toolsIn this module, the children learn all about their brain and how it helps them to be their best selves. They develop self-regulation strategies (Happy Breathing) and a solid understanding of the Neuroscience of how we learn and grow. Understanding the brain is a key way to help children deepen their understanding of emotions and normalise the need to self-regulate, a key strategy in building confidence and self-esteem.
Before myHappymind
6%
17%
16%
Only 6% of teachers are spending at least one formal lesson a week on mental health and wellbeing.
Only 17% of teachers said that more than half of their children were aware of the factors that contribute to their wellbeing.
Only 16% of teachers said that more than half of their children have a method to self-regulate during times of stress and worry.
Before myHappymind
6%
17%
16%
Only 17% of teachers said that more than half of their children were aware of the factors that contribute to their wellbeing.
Only 6% of teachers are spending at least one formal lesson a week on mental health and wellbeing.
Only 16% of teachers said that more than half of their children have a method to self-regulate during times of stress and worry.
After myHappymind
99%
99%
94%
of teachers have said Happy Breathing has benefitted their class.
of teachers are now having 1-3 conversations (formal or informal) about children’s mental wellbeing each week.
of teachers have said this module has helped their class to understand their brain.
Celebrate
Discovering and Celebrating Character StrengthsIn this module, the children learn all about their unique Character Strengths and develop strategies to celebrate them. Character Strengths are the number one way to build self-esteem and confidence in children and this module is all about developing the children’s self-awareness and confidence.
Before myHappymind
66%
13%
40%
Only 66% of teachers said they notice and celebrate Character Strengths on a daily basis.
Only 13% of teachers said half or more of their children can talk about their Character Strengths.
40% of teachers said less than half of their children struggle with their confidence and self-esteem.
Before myHappymind
66%
13%
40%
of teachers said less than half of their children struggle with their confidence and self-esteem.
of teachers said they notice and celebrate Character Strengths on a daily basis.
Only 13% of teachers said half or more of their children can talk about their Character Strengths.
After myHappymind
88%
97%
87%
of teachers said they have seen the self-esteem and confidence of the children improving from using myHappymind so far.
of teachers said they use more character-based praise through their regular teaching.
of teachers said their class are more able to talk about their Character Strengths.
appreciate
Developing an Attitude of Gratitude In this module, the focus is on helping children to develop an Attitude of Gratitude. Gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to boost wellbeing in the short term and to create a healthy brain in the long term. By getting children used to expressing gratitude regularly we’re getting that dopamine flowing in the brain and supporting their overall happiness.
Before myHappymind
37%
14%
20%
Only 14% of teachers said they notice children expressing gratitude to each other or for experiences on a daily basis.
Only 37% of teachers said that their children proactively express gratitude.
Only 20% of teachers said that their class show gratitude for experiences and others.
Before myHappymind
37%
14%
20%
Only 14% of teachers said they notice children expressing gratitude to each other or for experiences on a daily basis.
Only 20% of teachers said that their class show gratitude for experiences and others.
Only 37% of teachers said that their children proactively express gratitude.
After myHappymind
83%
87%
88%
of teachers are noticing children expressing gratitude in terms of the people around them and their experiences more often.
of teachers have introduced an Attitude of Gratitude in their classroom.
of teachers are noticing more gratitude being shown in the classroom.
relate
Developing healthy relationships In this module, the children focus on developing healthy relationship habits. This includes understanding other perspectives, active listening and celebrating diversity of thought and character. Healthy relationships are a key building block in supporting overall wellbeing; they provide children with a support system and endless opportunities for positive interactions.
Before myHappymind
31%
21%
2%
Only 31% of teachers said that children in their class can see things from another point of view.
Only 21% of teachers said they would rate their children’s listening skills as good.
Only 2% of teachers said that the children in their class do not struggle with friendship challenges.
Before myHappymind
31%
21%
2%
Only 21%of teachers said they would rate their children’s listening skills as good.
Only 2% of teachers said that the children in their class do not struggle with friendship challenges.
Only 31% of teachers said that children in their class can see things from another point of view.
After myHappymind
81%
81%
96%
of teachers have said their children now understand the importance of positive relationships and what they need to do to build them.
of teachers are integrating the 'Stop, Understand and Consider' approach into their regular teaching and learning.
of teachers have said they have noticed a difference in the children's Active Listening skills.
engage
Building resilience and perseverance In this module, we are focussed on building resilience and perseverance. We do this by helping children to set their own ‘Big Dream Goals’; these are things that the children want to achieve because they are passionate about them e.g. learning a new skill in sport or art. By setting children up with goals they are internally motivated to achieve we give them their own evidence that they already have the skills to be resilient and to persevere.
Before myHappymind
10%
16%
Only 10% of teachers said at least half of their children know how to set their own goals.
Only 16% of teachers said that children in their class can persevere in the face of challenges.
Before myHappymind
10%
16%
Only 10% of teachers said at least half of their children know how to set their own goals.
Only 16% of teachers said that children in their class can persevere in the face of challenges.
After myHappymind
86%
87%
87%
of teachers have seen an improvement in their children's resilience and perseverance when trying to achieve their goals.
of teachers have been able to use the ‘Goal Setting’ language through regular teaching.
of teachers have seen their children getting more excited about setting goals for themselves.
Local Evaluations
To supplement the End-of-Year Impact Report in West Yorkshire ICB, myHappymind conducted a local evaluation in partnership with approximately 25% of Kirklees schools using myHappymind in 2024. The evaluation involved sending a survey to Headteachers at schools that have been using the programme for one academic year. The next two pages of data contains the combined responses of 31 schools out of the 128 schools currently using myHappymind across Kirklees.
How myHappymind Impacts referrals
Schools using myHappymind see fewer children being referred to SENCO’s, followed by fewer being referred to MHST’s, followed by fewer needing a CAMHS referrals. This is the power of early help and prevention, we are preventing children from having escalating need.
The Financial ROI on the reduction of CAMHS referrals alone:
Assuming that the average cost of a CAMHS referral is £3,000 ( a highly conservative figure based on data from BASW), this indicates a potential saving of £5.6 million across all Kirklees schools, a 16 times return on investment on CAMHS referrals alone.
Local Evaluations
94%
100%
94%
100%
of schools said myHappymind was helping their parents and carers to better understand mental health and wellbeing.
of schools reported that their school is happier and calmer due to myHappymind.
2,100
95%
Schools have reported that myHappymind has prevented 2,100 children from being referred to the SENCO within the school. This has created significant capacity for SENCOs to support more significant special educational needs and demonstrates an upskilling of teachers to deal with lower-level issues within the classroom.
95%
of schools said all or most of their staff members now have a better understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
AWARDS
Awards
This section highlights that we're HSJ Finalist for advancing NetZero and Reducing Health Inequalities. We have also received national recognition as an innovation that can be successfully rolled out at pace and scale. Click the + for more information
Net Zero
"myHappymind is commendable for its alignment with the NHS's national NetZero agenda due to its innovative, cloud-based approach to provide children, families and staff in education with science-backed techniques to promote positive mental health and well-being. By prioritising mental health support through a digital solution while incorporating sustainable practices, the programme not only contributes to community well-being but also to environmental sustainability. This synergy reflects our commitment to holistic healthcare, addressing both individual and environmental health. Such initiatives exemplify the ethos of a health system that is not only focused on prevention but also on preserving the world we live in for future generations." – Frank Swinton Climate Change Lead at West Yorkshire Health Care Partnership and Consultant Anaesthetist
Case Studies
CaseStudy
When reflecting on the school’s journey with myHappymind, their headteacher, Emma Collopy, explained “At Elton, we started with myHappymind in 2022, at that time we found ourselves making numerous referrals to CAMHS to support the children. The number of referrals had increased since COVID-19, and we felt that we needed to put something in place in school to support not only the children displaying emotional difficulties but every child that attended our school. We wanted to equip the children with the knowledge, skills and tools to thrive in the modern world, myHappymind was a perfect fit for our school.” Emma Collopy concluded her reflections by saying “Since using myHappymind, we are now making fewer referrals to CAMHS and our children feel in control of their emotions because they understand what is happening in their brains. Children have also built additional resilience, they even encourage each other to use different strategies in order to calm themselves down which has been lovely to see throughout the school. As headteacher, I am proud that we have been able to create positive mental well-being for all children by using the myHappymind programme.”
Elton Primary School
Headteacher Sharon Wyatt has seen “an extremely positive impact” from implementing myHappymind across the whole school. She added, “In addition to ensuring our school is a happy, securing and thriving environment for learning with as many barriers to this removed as possible, myHappymind has been an invaluable resource to support us to secure an Outstanding Ofsted judgment in both “Behaviour and Attitudes” and “Personal Development”.
Emily Hughes, SENCO and myHappymind Champion has told us, “Across the school, myHappymind is embraced by the children at Horn’s Mill. All of our children complete Happy Breathing exercises daily before commencing their afternoon learning. Each week the children complete a weekly lesson and have benefited immensely from understanding how their brain works. On numerous occasions, children and adults have expressed how they have utilised the strategies from myHappymind to support them during times of uncertainty and change.”
Parents of children at Horn’s Mill Primary School have also found it beneficial to engage with the myHappymind learning and habits at home. One parent commented, “As a parent of a child with SEND, we quite often find ourselves having a lot of emotional meltdowns, but now we see a change in situations that used to take a considerable time to recover from - using the techniques of Finger Breathing has helped to minimise these episodes significantly.”
CaseStudy
Horn Mill Primary School
CaseStudy
myHappymind has also helped staff at Horn’s Mill Primary School with their well-being, with one teacher commenting, “Having taught myHappymind for a number of years to my children, I realised that I was not doing what I was asking my children to do. I wasn’t following my own advice to overcome anxiety. I started practising what I preached and now use all the knowledge. I use Happy Breathing daily to ensure that I remain grounded, and I now have a greater understanding of the workings of the brain. My Amygdala sometimes needs quietening! I now use the strategies and knowledge not only within the classroom but also in my personal life! The habits that I have formed are becoming much stronger, and my resilience has also increased.”
Horn Mill Primary School
testimonials
The testimonials section of the report showcases firsthand experiences and feedback from educators, pupils, and parents who have benefited from myHappymind.
Teacher Feedback
"I am thrilled that our school has adopted the myHappymind programme so well. Both the children and staff love it. It teaches things in such an easy-to-follow and highly informative way. The children love using their journals and singing the songs and have really engaging discussions about the content. I love the way it builds confidence by focusing on Strengths instead of weaknesses we need to work on. It’s fun seeing children realising their strengths and realising they don’t just have to be academic. It has definitely had a positive impact on the way the children relate to each other, becoming more respectful, tolerant and inclusive. The younger children get so excited at singing the songs and get their parents to sing with them via the parent's app. Happy Breathing has helped everyone, especially in today’s stressful society – it is a very necessary skill to have. All this leads to more tolerant, compassionate, less stressed individuals and society overall. A great tool to improve mental health and well-being for everyone of all ages and backgrounds." Charlotte Waterhouse, East Ward Primary School
Teacher Feedback
“As the Year 3 teacher, SENDCo and designated mental health lead, I see the impact of using such a structured and practical scheme.“myHappymind has supported us to be research-informed and on the cutting edge of providing children with the language to verbalise their emotions, understand their feelings and visibly support their regulation. The difference in our children and the calm is palpable.” Claire Hanson, St John’s CofE Primary School
“Everybody using the same myHappymind terminology throughout the school has been really useful for the children and our staff. The impact has been that children are showing more empathy and have a better understanding of each other's feelings. Many of the techniques that the children have been learning can also be used by the adults. The programme has been an excellent learning opportunity for staff to help support the children and their own mental well-being.” Pastoral Lead, St Stephen’s CofE Primary School
System wide impact
myHappymind creates a positive, system-wide impact by promoting mental well-being across the entire school community including clinical staff, education professionals, parents/carers and children and young people. Click the + buttons to hear their feedback
MHSTs
Parents
Teachers
Children
in action
Videos demonstrating myHappymind in action, showcasing the programme's positive impact.
myHappymind in Action
Canon Burrows CE Primary School
myHappymind in Action
A video of a 4-year-old child atDream Big Little One in Bury articulating the different parts of her brain
thank you
myHappymindBridgford House
Laura.Earnshaw@myHappymind.org Founder and CEO
Low resilience and perseverance in children
Post-COVID, local authorities and education settings are telling us that their children are increasingly struggling to persevere and demonstrate resilience due to prolonged periods of disruption and uncertainty. Many faced significant changes in their daily routines, social interactions, and emotional landscapes, leading to heightened anxiety and stress. The isolation experienced during lockdowns has disrupted their ability to develop coping mechanisms and form supportive relationships. Additionally, the return to school has brought new pressures, such as adapting to learning environments and social dynamics. As a result, fostering resilience in children is more critical than ever, requiring targeted support from families, educators, and mental health professionals to help them navigate these challenges effectively.
Poor education staff morale
Low teaching staff morale in the UK is a growing concern that affects both educators and students. Many teachers face increased workloads, bureaucratic pressures, and insufficient resources, leading to feelings of burnout and disillusionment. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, with educators navigating the complexities of remote learning and the emotional needs of their students. Additionally, inadequate support from school leadership and government policies has left many teachers feeling undervalued and unsupported. This decline in morale not only affects teachers' well-being but also diminishes the quality of education, ultimately impacting student outcomes and engagement.
Supporting National Spread
NIA innovations are already being used in the NHS or elsewhere, have a robust evidence base, and have been rigorously selected. Each year, following a thorough and rigorous assessment process, the NIA recruits up to 24 individuals, “Fellows”, representing mature, evidence-based innovations and ready to scale. Innovators and innovations are assessed by a prestigious panel of NHS, social, AHSN, commercial and PPIE stakeholders. The year that myHappymind was offered a fellowship, the programme focused on identifying innovations supporting the Core20PLUS5 agenda to address Health Inequalities.
Prevention over treatment
The Secretary of State has called for a shift from treatment to prevention to meet the demand for mental health support. Prevention in mental health is crucial because it reduces the likelihood of mental health problems developing or worsening, improving long-term well-being. Early intervention helps individuals manage stress, build resilience, and develop coping mechanisms, reducing the impact of potential triggers. It also alleviates the social and economic burdens of mental health disorders, such as healthcare costs and productivity loss.
Increased access through Digital
myHappymind is a digital solution designed for rapid, scalable implementation in schools, making it ideal for reaching underserved and hard-to-reach communities. By leveraging existing digital infrastructure in schools, such as smart boards and desktops, it minimises the need for additional resources. Its online platform provides easy access to mental health education for all children, ensuring equitable support regardless of location or socio-economic background. This approach reduces health inequalities by delivering consistent, science-backed mental health tools to schools everywhere, enabling early intervention and fostering emotional resilience at scale, particularly in communities where traditional mental health services may be limited.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
myHappymind is a proud charity partner of Ronald McDonald House Charities, offering the myHappymind programme free of charge to all UK Houses supporting families of critically ill children. Ronald McDonald House Charities, a globally renowned organisation, provides free accommodation and support to families, enabling them to stay close to their children receiving vital hospital treatment. By alleviating the stress of finding housing, the charity allows families to focus on their child’s care. Together, myHappymind and Ronald McDonald House Charities ensure families are equipped with mental health and well-being tools during their most challenging times.
Prevention over Treatment
myHappymind aligns with a preventative approach to mental healthcare by focusing on building resilience, emotional regulation, and positive mental health habits from an early age. Through its science-backed programmes in schools and with families, myHappymind teaches children key skills like self-regulation, gratitude, and resilience, helping them manage stress and challenges before issues escalate. By embedding mental wellbeing into everyday environments, such as classrooms and homes, it normalises proactive mental health care and reduces the need for more intensive interventions later on. This preventative focus supports long-term emotional well-being and promotes a healthy foundation for life.
Community over Hospital
Community mental health support, such as universal programmes to support positive mental health, is more effective than purely reacting with interventions and treatment because it integrates mental health into children's daily environments, making support accessible and reducing stigma. By embedding mental well-being into schools, children receive early intervention, promoting resilience and positive coping skills before issues escalate. This proactive, preventive model reduces the need for more intensive interventions, like hospital care, which can be costly and disruptive. Moreover, school-based support fosters a nurturing, familiar environment where mental health is normalised, leading to more consistent, sustainable outcomes for children's wellbeing.
Children
"I really love the journals. I love the quizzes in the lessons. I do Happy Breathing before tests, I get quite nervous and it makes me feel better. My top Character Strengths are Curiosity and Creativity - I use them every day. My top Character Strengths are Judgment, Leadership, and Hope - I have Hope that I will do well in my SATs, I use Judgment, I judge people based on their personalities and that is how I pick my friends, and I think I am a good leader. I enjoy being a Happiness Hero so I can help people".
Whole School & Every Child Approach
myHappymind's Whole School and Every Child approach supports a care in the community model by embedding mental health education within the school environment, reaching all children rather than focusing on individuals in crisis. By teaching resilience, emotional regulation, and well-being skills universally, it empowers students, staff, and parents to support mental health proactively. This community-centered approach creates a shared responsibility for mental well-being, reducing reliance on external interventions. By fostering a culture of mental health awareness and support in schools, myHappymind strengthens community bonds, ensuring early intervention and ongoing care for children's mental health within their daily environments.
Unlocking barriers nationally
The NIA uses real-world examples to highlight barriers to innovation spread and inform national policy change. myHappymind are also members of the NHS Confederation, a membership organisation that brings together, supports and speaks for the whole healthcare system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and are involved in conversations to influence national policy change for the better.
Mental Health Foundation
Laura Earnshaw, Founder & CEO proudly holds a position on the board of the Mental Health Foundation, a distinguished charity dedicated to promoting mental well-being across the UK. Established in 1949, the foundation is a leader in mental health research, policy, and advocacy. It focuses on prevention through evidence-based initiatives and aims to empower individuals and communities with the tools and knowledge to improve their mental health. As a key player in shaping the national conversation, the foundation’s work influences policy decisions, drives mental health awareness, and fosters innovative approaches to mental well-being across all age groups
Certified B-Corporation
myHappymind is proud to be a certified B-Corp, a distinction awarded to companies that meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards. This certification reflects our commitment to balancing profit with purpose, ensuring that we operate in a manner that benefits our community and the planet. B-Corps are recognised for their accountability and transparency, focusing on creating a positive impact through their business practices. By achieving this prestigious certification, myHappymind demonstrates its dedication to fostering mental well-being and promoting a healthier, happier society, while continuously striving to improve our sustainability and ethical practices for the benefit of future generations.
Digital is the future of healthcare
Digital mental health solutions offer accessible, scalable, and flexible support to diverse populations. These tools allow individuals to access help in a more flexible way reducing barriers such as cost, location, or stigma. Digital platforms can provide early intervention by making mental health care more proactive and preventative. They also enable data-driven insights and continuous improvement, enhancing the effectiveness of interventions. By meeting people where they are, especially tech-savvy younger generations, digital solutions make mental health support more inclusive and adaptable to evolving needs.
2023 Innovate Awards
Health Inequalies and Innovation Spread
The AHSN Network Innovate Awards 2023 celebrate outstanding innovations in healthcare. The "Reducing Health Inequalities" category honours initiatives that tackle health disparities and improve access to care for underserved populations. The "Innovation Spread" award recognises innovations that have been rapidly and successfully implemented on a large scale, demonstrating significant impact on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
myHappymind's Parent App
myHappymind engages parents through its digital app by providing easy access to resources, activities, and insights that align with the programme's focus on mental well-being. The app allows parents to reinforce positive habits at home, track their child's progress, and stay informed through regular updates and personalised content.
Teachers
“myHappymind has really helped me to think about how my brain functions during different situations, I am neurodiverse and I do find myself in a Fight or Flight position quite frequently. The information around gratitude and thinking about the positive things you can say to yourself and others can really help balance everything that is going on in your head, it has been really beneficial.”
Low Parental Engagement
Low parental engagement in schools poses a significant barrier to supporting children's mental health, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. The pandemic disrupted communication and collaboration between schools and families, leading to decreased involvement in children's education and well-being. This disengagement can hinder the identification of mental health issues, as parents may be unaware of their child's struggles. Without strong partnerships, schools find it challenging to implement effective support systems, leaving vulnerable students without the guidance they need. Strengthening parental involvement is crucial for fostering a holistic approach to mental health, enabling schools and families to work together in nurturing children's well-being.
Science-backed strategies to increase resilience and perserverence
myHappymind improves children's resilience and perseverance by teaching them essential skills like growth mindset, emotional regulation, and self-awareness through engaging modules. These modules empower children to understand and manage their emotions, face challenges positively, and develop a "can-do" attitude, fostering long-term resilience and perseverance in both school and life.
Mental Health Support Teams
“I have been working within Bradford Children’s Mental Health services for 25 years and have seen things develop but never seen anything quite like myHappymind. myHappymind is a fantastic digital tool to enable teachers to gain the knowledge and teach using the tool provided on how the brain works and how to build resilience, confidence and self-esteem within children from nursery school age. The product is scalable and usable for teachers due to the technology, which is of an excellent standard, age-appropriate and accurate, and engaging. Therefore resulting in greater populations feeling the impact of the intervention.”
Real World Validation
The University of Chester’s Health Research team conducted a Real World Validation of myHappymind, examining its impact within school settings and local health priorities. Their findings indicate that “the myHappymind is an effective school-based approach to developing positive behaviours. These positive behaviours in turn strengthen pupil mental health, resilience, and well-being consistent with the expectations of current UK education and health policy.” The study highlights myHappymind as a valuable complement to broader NHS health and education initiatives, affirming that it supports local commissioning priorities and aligns with investments that promote mental well-being in schools. This validation underscores myHappymind’s role in advancing both pupil wellbeing and the strategic goals of local healthcare and education stakeholders. Read the full report here:
Real-World Knowledge Sharing
The National Innovation Accelerator focusses on capturing insight, learning and expertise on how to spread new solutions across the NHS in England. Laura Earnshaw, myHappymind's Founder & CEO, sits on the NIA Board as a 2023 Fellow and advocates for a prevention-friendly data environment
HSJ Digital Awards 2024
Reducing Health Inequalities
The HSJ Digital Awards celebrate digital innovations that transform healthcare and improve patient care. The "Reducing Health Inequalities through Digital" category recognises initiatives that use digital technologies to address health disparities, improving access to services and quality of care for underserved populations to promote fairer health outcomes.
MyHappymind is often commissioned by the NHS to target schools identified by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and has been co-developed with special schools to offer a dedicated SEN programme, including support for alternative provision. Designed to be neurodiverse-friendly, myHappymind also includes adapted resources for students who are hard of hearing or partially sighted.
Improved staff well-being
myHappymind improves staff well-being and morale by equipping educators with tools and strategies to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and foster a positive mindset. The programme promotes a supportive work environment, encouraging staff to prioritise self-care and mental health, leading to a happier, more motivated, and cohesive team.
HSJ Digital Award 2024
Moving towards NetZero through digital
The HSJ Digital Awards recognise outstanding digital initiatives in healthcare that drive innovation and improve patient outcomes. In the "Moving Towards NetZero through Digital" category, organisations are celebrated for using digital technologies to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainability efforts within healthcare. This category highlights projects that leverage digital solutions to promote environmental responsibility, helping the healthcare sector transition toward a greener future .
Positive return on investment
Preventative programmes like myHappymind deliver a substantial return on investment, benefiting both individuals and the wider healthcare system. By fostering mental resilience, promoting positive wellbeing, and equipping young people with tools to manage their mental health, these programmes help reduce the future need for more intensive mental health services. The Department for Health and Social Care predicts that for every £1 invested in preventative mental health interventions, the return could be as high as £15, thanks to reductions in treatment costs, improved long-term mental health outcomes, and enhanced quality of life. Investing in early intervention, therefore, not only supports individuals’ mental wellbeing but also alleviates financial pressure on health and social care systems.
Parents
“I just wanted to say how grateful I am as a parent that school took on the myHappymind scheme. Luke had therapy today and blew the therapist’s mind when he said ‘I know what those three parts of the brain are called, Hippocampus, Amygdala and Pre-Frontal Cortex.’ The therapist who is ex-CAMHS of 20 years said she’d never heard a child Luke’s age have knowledge like that. I appreciate that my child has access to this at school as it’s supporting his mental health journey outside of school.”
Solution Identification
The NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) Programme is a platform for identifying, endorsing, and scaling transformative solutions that address the NHS’s most critical challenges and top priorities for staff and patient care. Launched in partnership with NHS England, NHS Improvement, and the Health Innovation Networks, the NIA Programme carefully selects innovations with proven impact and strong potential for wide-scale adoption across the NHS. Each chosen solution undergoes rigorous assessment and endorsement, ensuring it aligns with national healthcare objectives like improving patient outcomes, enhancing efficiency, and supporting workforce wellbeing. By facilitating access to evidence-based innovations, the NIA Programme accelerates the NHS’s ability to implement high-quality, impactful solutions that meet current health system demands.
National report
myHappymind
Created on September 3, 2024
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Transcript
National
ImpactReport
Start
1.
6.
About Us
Awards
NHS and Charity Partners
2.
7.
Content
Case Studies
The Current Mental Health Climate
3.
8.
Testimonials
myHappymind in Action
4.
9.
Reach
National Impact Data
5.
Click the text above to navigate the report
About us
myHappymind is an award-winning whole-school and nursery programme that teaches children preventative habits supporting positive mental health, resilience, and self-esteem. Co-developed with schools across the nation, myHappymind is a universal offer for all schools but also has a programme for Alternative provision and SEN. myHappymind resources have been adapted for children who are hard of hearing or partially sighted and the programme has been commissioned by the NHS and Local Authorities in over 30 areas, often targeting schools identified by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), and is now in 2,000 settings nationally. This report outlines key findings from all large-scale roll-outs.
Backed by the NHS
myHappymind is proud to be on The NHS National Innovation Accelerator (NIA). The NIA is an NHS England initiative delivered in partnership with NHS England’s Health Innovation Network and hosted at UCLPartners. Launched in 2015 to support delivery of the Five Year Forward View, the NIA is highlighted in the NHS Long Term Plan, published in January 2019 and has the following aims:
Unlocking barriers nationally
Solution Identification
Supporting national spread
Real-world knowledge sharing
Click the '+' to reveal more
Validated & Cost Effective
myHappymind has been independently validated by the University of Chester to prove it's efficacy in the Real World. Research from the UK Department of Health and Social Care suggests that for every £1 invested in mental health prevention, there is a return of at least £5 but up to £15 for school-based programmes that focus on early help and prevention. Their analysis show that there is a clear positive financial return of:
£1: £15
Click the '+' to reveal more
A Proven Digital Solution Adopted at Pace & Scale
"myHappymind have shown a vast amount of experience and expertise in the delivery of their innovative whole school programme. We have successfully mobilised the myHappymind programme in Bradford over a period of only 8 weeks. Since announcing the successful bid for our well-being in primary schools contract through to onboarding schools the team have led and delivered precisely as promised. Our initial concerns of communicating the new programme with schools at the beginning of this term when there are competing demands on leadership time were not necessary as the myHappymind team were clear with what they knew would be needed and accepted by schools. The subsequent successful mobilisation is a testament to the work of the team aswell as the clear ability of the technology involved to be implemented at pace. I would have no concerns in expanding the offer in Bradford and encouraging others to work with the team to deliver in their Place."
Jo Howes RN, SCPHN, FiHV
Reducing Inequalities Lead , Bradford District Care Trust
Charity & VCSE Partners
myHappymind is proud to partner with charities and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations to give back to communities, reflecting our core mission to enhance mental well-being for all. Click the + for more information
Click the "+" button to reveal more
the current climate
This section provides insights into system-wide priorities and recurring patterns observed across educational professionals, pupils, and parents. By analysing key trends, we identify common challenges and successes in mental well-being, enabling targeted interventions and support. This data-driven approach helps refine strategies to better address the needs of of service users.
The Current Mental Health Climate
The current climate around mental health is increasingly concerning:
In the last 3 years, the likelihood of young people having a mental health problem has increased by
of children and young people show signs of improvement after being referred to CAMHS
of children and young people who experience mental health problems aren't getting the help they need.
75%
Less than
50%
50%
Source: Mental Health Foundation
Source: Children's Society
Source: Cambridge University Press
Priorities in Health
Following the publishing of the Darzi Report, The government has set out three key "shifts" for the NHS to meet the growing demand for mental health support.
Preventative Approach
Support in the community
Digital Solutions
Click the '+' to reveal more
Priorities in Health
myHappymind directly aligns with NHS England's Long Term Plan and Government priorities:
Preventative Approach
Support in the community
Digital Solutions
Click the '+' to reveal more
Priorities in Education
Before launching myHappymind, Local Authorities and Education settings report these key trends:
Poor staff morale
Low parent engagement
Children struggling to persevere and show resilience
Click the '+' to reveal more
Priorities in Education
After launching myHappymind, Local Authorities and Education Settings report impact across three key areas:
Improved staff well-being
Increased Parent Engagement
Increased resilence & self-esteem in children
Click the '+' to reveal more
Reach
National Reach
We're working nationally in c.2,000 schools across all 4 nations and is translated into the Welsh Language.
Star myHappymind schools
Click the stars to watch a video and see myHappymind in Action around the country.
Who we work with
33 Places nationally:
Reach
myHappymind is supporting over 940,000 children, parents and education staff nationally
Enough to fill Wembley Stadium over 10 times!
national impact data
This section summarises the national impact seen after implementing myHappymind across the academic year. It is structured around baseline data and the myHappymind system which is the framework of content delivered through the programme.
Meet Your Brain
Developing self-regulation toolsIn this module, the children learn all about their brain and how it helps them to be their best selves. They develop self-regulation strategies (Happy Breathing) and a solid understanding of the Neuroscience of how we learn and grow. Understanding the brain is a key way to help children deepen their understanding of emotions and normalise the need to self-regulate, a key strategy in building confidence and self-esteem.
Before myHappymind
6%
17%
16%
Only 6% of teachers are spending at least one formal lesson a week on mental health and wellbeing.
Only 17% of teachers said that more than half of their children were aware of the factors that contribute to their wellbeing.
Only 16% of teachers said that more than half of their children have a method to self-regulate during times of stress and worry.
Before myHappymind
6%
17%
16%
Only 17% of teachers said that more than half of their children were aware of the factors that contribute to their wellbeing.
Only 6% of teachers are spending at least one formal lesson a week on mental health and wellbeing.
Only 16% of teachers said that more than half of their children have a method to self-regulate during times of stress and worry.
After myHappymind
99%
99%
94%
of teachers have said Happy Breathing has benefitted their class.
of teachers are now having 1-3 conversations (formal or informal) about children’s mental wellbeing each week.
of teachers have said this module has helped their class to understand their brain.
Celebrate
Discovering and Celebrating Character StrengthsIn this module, the children learn all about their unique Character Strengths and develop strategies to celebrate them. Character Strengths are the number one way to build self-esteem and confidence in children and this module is all about developing the children’s self-awareness and confidence.
Before myHappymind
66%
13%
40%
Only 66% of teachers said they notice and celebrate Character Strengths on a daily basis.
Only 13% of teachers said half or more of their children can talk about their Character Strengths.
40% of teachers said less than half of their children struggle with their confidence and self-esteem.
Before myHappymind
66%
13%
40%
of teachers said less than half of their children struggle with their confidence and self-esteem.
of teachers said they notice and celebrate Character Strengths on a daily basis.
Only 13% of teachers said half or more of their children can talk about their Character Strengths.
After myHappymind
88%
97%
87%
of teachers said they have seen the self-esteem and confidence of the children improving from using myHappymind so far.
of teachers said they use more character-based praise through their regular teaching.
of teachers said their class are more able to talk about their Character Strengths.
appreciate
Developing an Attitude of Gratitude In this module, the focus is on helping children to develop an Attitude of Gratitude. Gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to boost wellbeing in the short term and to create a healthy brain in the long term. By getting children used to expressing gratitude regularly we’re getting that dopamine flowing in the brain and supporting their overall happiness.
Before myHappymind
37%
14%
20%
Only 14% of teachers said they notice children expressing gratitude to each other or for experiences on a daily basis.
Only 37% of teachers said that their children proactively express gratitude.
Only 20% of teachers said that their class show gratitude for experiences and others.
Before myHappymind
37%
14%
20%
Only 14% of teachers said they notice children expressing gratitude to each other or for experiences on a daily basis.
Only 20% of teachers said that their class show gratitude for experiences and others.
Only 37% of teachers said that their children proactively express gratitude.
After myHappymind
83%
87%
88%
of teachers are noticing children expressing gratitude in terms of the people around them and their experiences more often.
of teachers have introduced an Attitude of Gratitude in their classroom.
of teachers are noticing more gratitude being shown in the classroom.
relate
Developing healthy relationships In this module, the children focus on developing healthy relationship habits. This includes understanding other perspectives, active listening and celebrating diversity of thought and character. Healthy relationships are a key building block in supporting overall wellbeing; they provide children with a support system and endless opportunities for positive interactions.
Before myHappymind
31%
21%
2%
Only 31% of teachers said that children in their class can see things from another point of view.
Only 21% of teachers said they would rate their children’s listening skills as good.
Only 2% of teachers said that the children in their class do not struggle with friendship challenges.
Before myHappymind
31%
21%
2%
Only 21%of teachers said they would rate their children’s listening skills as good.
Only 2% of teachers said that the children in their class do not struggle with friendship challenges.
Only 31% of teachers said that children in their class can see things from another point of view.
After myHappymind
81%
81%
96%
of teachers have said their children now understand the importance of positive relationships and what they need to do to build them.
of teachers are integrating the 'Stop, Understand and Consider' approach into their regular teaching and learning.
of teachers have said they have noticed a difference in the children's Active Listening skills.
engage
Building resilience and perseverance In this module, we are focussed on building resilience and perseverance. We do this by helping children to set their own ‘Big Dream Goals’; these are things that the children want to achieve because they are passionate about them e.g. learning a new skill in sport or art. By setting children up with goals they are internally motivated to achieve we give them their own evidence that they already have the skills to be resilient and to persevere.
Before myHappymind
10%
16%
Only 10% of teachers said at least half of their children know how to set their own goals.
Only 16% of teachers said that children in their class can persevere in the face of challenges.
Before myHappymind
10%
16%
Only 10% of teachers said at least half of their children know how to set their own goals.
Only 16% of teachers said that children in their class can persevere in the face of challenges.
After myHappymind
86%
87%
87%
of teachers have seen an improvement in their children's resilience and perseverance when trying to achieve their goals.
of teachers have been able to use the ‘Goal Setting’ language through regular teaching.
of teachers have seen their children getting more excited about setting goals for themselves.
Local Evaluations
To supplement the End-of-Year Impact Report in West Yorkshire ICB, myHappymind conducted a local evaluation in partnership with approximately 25% of Kirklees schools using myHappymind in 2024. The evaluation involved sending a survey to Headteachers at schools that have been using the programme for one academic year. The next two pages of data contains the combined responses of 31 schools out of the 128 schools currently using myHappymind across Kirklees.
How myHappymind Impacts referrals
Schools using myHappymind see fewer children being referred to SENCO’s, followed by fewer being referred to MHST’s, followed by fewer needing a CAMHS referrals. This is the power of early help and prevention, we are preventing children from having escalating need.
The Financial ROI on the reduction of CAMHS referrals alone:
Assuming that the average cost of a CAMHS referral is £3,000 ( a highly conservative figure based on data from BASW), this indicates a potential saving of £5.6 million across all Kirklees schools, a 16 times return on investment on CAMHS referrals alone.
Local Evaluations
94%
100%
94%
100%
of schools said myHappymind was helping their parents and carers to better understand mental health and wellbeing.
of schools reported that their school is happier and calmer due to myHappymind.
2,100
95%
Schools have reported that myHappymind has prevented 2,100 children from being referred to the SENCO within the school. This has created significant capacity for SENCOs to support more significant special educational needs and demonstrates an upskilling of teachers to deal with lower-level issues within the classroom.
95%
of schools said all or most of their staff members now have a better understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
AWARDS
Awards
This section highlights that we're HSJ Finalist for advancing NetZero and Reducing Health Inequalities. We have also received national recognition as an innovation that can be successfully rolled out at pace and scale. Click the + for more information
Net Zero
"myHappymind is commendable for its alignment with the NHS's national NetZero agenda due to its innovative, cloud-based approach to provide children, families and staff in education with science-backed techniques to promote positive mental health and well-being. By prioritising mental health support through a digital solution while incorporating sustainable practices, the programme not only contributes to community well-being but also to environmental sustainability. This synergy reflects our commitment to holistic healthcare, addressing both individual and environmental health. Such initiatives exemplify the ethos of a health system that is not only focused on prevention but also on preserving the world we live in for future generations." – Frank Swinton Climate Change Lead at West Yorkshire Health Care Partnership and Consultant Anaesthetist
Case Studies
CaseStudy
When reflecting on the school’s journey with myHappymind, their headteacher, Emma Collopy, explained “At Elton, we started with myHappymind in 2022, at that time we found ourselves making numerous referrals to CAMHS to support the children. The number of referrals had increased since COVID-19, and we felt that we needed to put something in place in school to support not only the children displaying emotional difficulties but every child that attended our school. We wanted to equip the children with the knowledge, skills and tools to thrive in the modern world, myHappymind was a perfect fit for our school.” Emma Collopy concluded her reflections by saying “Since using myHappymind, we are now making fewer referrals to CAMHS and our children feel in control of their emotions because they understand what is happening in their brains. Children have also built additional resilience, they even encourage each other to use different strategies in order to calm themselves down which has been lovely to see throughout the school. As headteacher, I am proud that we have been able to create positive mental well-being for all children by using the myHappymind programme.”
Elton Primary School
Headteacher Sharon Wyatt has seen “an extremely positive impact” from implementing myHappymind across the whole school. She added, “In addition to ensuring our school is a happy, securing and thriving environment for learning with as many barriers to this removed as possible, myHappymind has been an invaluable resource to support us to secure an Outstanding Ofsted judgment in both “Behaviour and Attitudes” and “Personal Development”. Emily Hughes, SENCO and myHappymind Champion has told us, “Across the school, myHappymind is embraced by the children at Horn’s Mill. All of our children complete Happy Breathing exercises daily before commencing their afternoon learning. Each week the children complete a weekly lesson and have benefited immensely from understanding how their brain works. On numerous occasions, children and adults have expressed how they have utilised the strategies from myHappymind to support them during times of uncertainty and change.” Parents of children at Horn’s Mill Primary School have also found it beneficial to engage with the myHappymind learning and habits at home. One parent commented, “As a parent of a child with SEND, we quite often find ourselves having a lot of emotional meltdowns, but now we see a change in situations that used to take a considerable time to recover from - using the techniques of Finger Breathing has helped to minimise these episodes significantly.”
CaseStudy
Horn Mill Primary School
CaseStudy
myHappymind has also helped staff at Horn’s Mill Primary School with their well-being, with one teacher commenting, “Having taught myHappymind for a number of years to my children, I realised that I was not doing what I was asking my children to do. I wasn’t following my own advice to overcome anxiety. I started practising what I preached and now use all the knowledge. I use Happy Breathing daily to ensure that I remain grounded, and I now have a greater understanding of the workings of the brain. My Amygdala sometimes needs quietening! I now use the strategies and knowledge not only within the classroom but also in my personal life! The habits that I have formed are becoming much stronger, and my resilience has also increased.”
Horn Mill Primary School
testimonials
The testimonials section of the report showcases firsthand experiences and feedback from educators, pupils, and parents who have benefited from myHappymind.
Teacher Feedback
"I am thrilled that our school has adopted the myHappymind programme so well. Both the children and staff love it. It teaches things in such an easy-to-follow and highly informative way. The children love using their journals and singing the songs and have really engaging discussions about the content. I love the way it builds confidence by focusing on Strengths instead of weaknesses we need to work on. It’s fun seeing children realising their strengths and realising they don’t just have to be academic. It has definitely had a positive impact on the way the children relate to each other, becoming more respectful, tolerant and inclusive. The younger children get so excited at singing the songs and get their parents to sing with them via the parent's app. Happy Breathing has helped everyone, especially in today’s stressful society – it is a very necessary skill to have. All this leads to more tolerant, compassionate, less stressed individuals and society overall. A great tool to improve mental health and well-being for everyone of all ages and backgrounds." Charlotte Waterhouse, East Ward Primary School
Teacher Feedback
“As the Year 3 teacher, SENDCo and designated mental health lead, I see the impact of using such a structured and practical scheme.“myHappymind has supported us to be research-informed and on the cutting edge of providing children with the language to verbalise their emotions, understand their feelings and visibly support their regulation. The difference in our children and the calm is palpable.” Claire Hanson, St John’s CofE Primary School
“Everybody using the same myHappymind terminology throughout the school has been really useful for the children and our staff. The impact has been that children are showing more empathy and have a better understanding of each other's feelings. Many of the techniques that the children have been learning can also be used by the adults. The programme has been an excellent learning opportunity for staff to help support the children and their own mental well-being.” Pastoral Lead, St Stephen’s CofE Primary School
System wide impact
myHappymind creates a positive, system-wide impact by promoting mental well-being across the entire school community including clinical staff, education professionals, parents/carers and children and young people. Click the + buttons to hear their feedback
MHSTs
Parents
Teachers
Children
in action
Videos demonstrating myHappymind in action, showcasing the programme's positive impact.
myHappymind in Action
Canon Burrows CE Primary School
myHappymind in Action
A video of a 4-year-old child atDream Big Little One in Bury articulating the different parts of her brain
thank you
myHappymindBridgford House
Laura.Earnshaw@myHappymind.org Founder and CEO
Low resilience and perseverance in children
Post-COVID, local authorities and education settings are telling us that their children are increasingly struggling to persevere and demonstrate resilience due to prolonged periods of disruption and uncertainty. Many faced significant changes in their daily routines, social interactions, and emotional landscapes, leading to heightened anxiety and stress. The isolation experienced during lockdowns has disrupted their ability to develop coping mechanisms and form supportive relationships. Additionally, the return to school has brought new pressures, such as adapting to learning environments and social dynamics. As a result, fostering resilience in children is more critical than ever, requiring targeted support from families, educators, and mental health professionals to help them navigate these challenges effectively.
Poor education staff morale
Low teaching staff morale in the UK is a growing concern that affects both educators and students. Many teachers face increased workloads, bureaucratic pressures, and insufficient resources, leading to feelings of burnout and disillusionment. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, with educators navigating the complexities of remote learning and the emotional needs of their students. Additionally, inadequate support from school leadership and government policies has left many teachers feeling undervalued and unsupported. This decline in morale not only affects teachers' well-being but also diminishes the quality of education, ultimately impacting student outcomes and engagement.
Supporting National Spread
NIA innovations are already being used in the NHS or elsewhere, have a robust evidence base, and have been rigorously selected. Each year, following a thorough and rigorous assessment process, the NIA recruits up to 24 individuals, “Fellows”, representing mature, evidence-based innovations and ready to scale. Innovators and innovations are assessed by a prestigious panel of NHS, social, AHSN, commercial and PPIE stakeholders. The year that myHappymind was offered a fellowship, the programme focused on identifying innovations supporting the Core20PLUS5 agenda to address Health Inequalities.
Prevention over treatment
The Secretary of State has called for a shift from treatment to prevention to meet the demand for mental health support. Prevention in mental health is crucial because it reduces the likelihood of mental health problems developing or worsening, improving long-term well-being. Early intervention helps individuals manage stress, build resilience, and develop coping mechanisms, reducing the impact of potential triggers. It also alleviates the social and economic burdens of mental health disorders, such as healthcare costs and productivity loss.
Increased access through Digital
myHappymind is a digital solution designed for rapid, scalable implementation in schools, making it ideal for reaching underserved and hard-to-reach communities. By leveraging existing digital infrastructure in schools, such as smart boards and desktops, it minimises the need for additional resources. Its online platform provides easy access to mental health education for all children, ensuring equitable support regardless of location or socio-economic background. This approach reduces health inequalities by delivering consistent, science-backed mental health tools to schools everywhere, enabling early intervention and fostering emotional resilience at scale, particularly in communities where traditional mental health services may be limited.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
myHappymind is a proud charity partner of Ronald McDonald House Charities, offering the myHappymind programme free of charge to all UK Houses supporting families of critically ill children. Ronald McDonald House Charities, a globally renowned organisation, provides free accommodation and support to families, enabling them to stay close to their children receiving vital hospital treatment. By alleviating the stress of finding housing, the charity allows families to focus on their child’s care. Together, myHappymind and Ronald McDonald House Charities ensure families are equipped with mental health and well-being tools during their most challenging times.
Prevention over Treatment
myHappymind aligns with a preventative approach to mental healthcare by focusing on building resilience, emotional regulation, and positive mental health habits from an early age. Through its science-backed programmes in schools and with families, myHappymind teaches children key skills like self-regulation, gratitude, and resilience, helping them manage stress and challenges before issues escalate. By embedding mental wellbeing into everyday environments, such as classrooms and homes, it normalises proactive mental health care and reduces the need for more intensive interventions later on. This preventative focus supports long-term emotional well-being and promotes a healthy foundation for life.
Community over Hospital
Community mental health support, such as universal programmes to support positive mental health, is more effective than purely reacting with interventions and treatment because it integrates mental health into children's daily environments, making support accessible and reducing stigma. By embedding mental well-being into schools, children receive early intervention, promoting resilience and positive coping skills before issues escalate. This proactive, preventive model reduces the need for more intensive interventions, like hospital care, which can be costly and disruptive. Moreover, school-based support fosters a nurturing, familiar environment where mental health is normalised, leading to more consistent, sustainable outcomes for children's wellbeing.
Children
"I really love the journals. I love the quizzes in the lessons. I do Happy Breathing before tests, I get quite nervous and it makes me feel better. My top Character Strengths are Curiosity and Creativity - I use them every day. My top Character Strengths are Judgment, Leadership, and Hope - I have Hope that I will do well in my SATs, I use Judgment, I judge people based on their personalities and that is how I pick my friends, and I think I am a good leader. I enjoy being a Happiness Hero so I can help people".
Whole School & Every Child Approach
myHappymind's Whole School and Every Child approach supports a care in the community model by embedding mental health education within the school environment, reaching all children rather than focusing on individuals in crisis. By teaching resilience, emotional regulation, and well-being skills universally, it empowers students, staff, and parents to support mental health proactively. This community-centered approach creates a shared responsibility for mental well-being, reducing reliance on external interventions. By fostering a culture of mental health awareness and support in schools, myHappymind strengthens community bonds, ensuring early intervention and ongoing care for children's mental health within their daily environments.
Unlocking barriers nationally
The NIA uses real-world examples to highlight barriers to innovation spread and inform national policy change. myHappymind are also members of the NHS Confederation, a membership organisation that brings together, supports and speaks for the whole healthcare system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and are involved in conversations to influence national policy change for the better.
Mental Health Foundation
Laura Earnshaw, Founder & CEO proudly holds a position on the board of the Mental Health Foundation, a distinguished charity dedicated to promoting mental well-being across the UK. Established in 1949, the foundation is a leader in mental health research, policy, and advocacy. It focuses on prevention through evidence-based initiatives and aims to empower individuals and communities with the tools and knowledge to improve their mental health. As a key player in shaping the national conversation, the foundation’s work influences policy decisions, drives mental health awareness, and fosters innovative approaches to mental well-being across all age groups
Certified B-Corporation
myHappymind is proud to be a certified B-Corp, a distinction awarded to companies that meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards. This certification reflects our commitment to balancing profit with purpose, ensuring that we operate in a manner that benefits our community and the planet. B-Corps are recognised for their accountability and transparency, focusing on creating a positive impact through their business practices. By achieving this prestigious certification, myHappymind demonstrates its dedication to fostering mental well-being and promoting a healthier, happier society, while continuously striving to improve our sustainability and ethical practices for the benefit of future generations.
Digital is the future of healthcare
Digital mental health solutions offer accessible, scalable, and flexible support to diverse populations. These tools allow individuals to access help in a more flexible way reducing barriers such as cost, location, or stigma. Digital platforms can provide early intervention by making mental health care more proactive and preventative. They also enable data-driven insights and continuous improvement, enhancing the effectiveness of interventions. By meeting people where they are, especially tech-savvy younger generations, digital solutions make mental health support more inclusive and adaptable to evolving needs.
2023 Innovate Awards
Health Inequalies and Innovation Spread
The AHSN Network Innovate Awards 2023 celebrate outstanding innovations in healthcare. The "Reducing Health Inequalities" category honours initiatives that tackle health disparities and improve access to care for underserved populations. The "Innovation Spread" award recognises innovations that have been rapidly and successfully implemented on a large scale, demonstrating significant impact on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
myHappymind's Parent App
myHappymind engages parents through its digital app by providing easy access to resources, activities, and insights that align with the programme's focus on mental well-being. The app allows parents to reinforce positive habits at home, track their child's progress, and stay informed through regular updates and personalised content.
Teachers
“myHappymind has really helped me to think about how my brain functions during different situations, I am neurodiverse and I do find myself in a Fight or Flight position quite frequently. The information around gratitude and thinking about the positive things you can say to yourself and others can really help balance everything that is going on in your head, it has been really beneficial.”
Low Parental Engagement
Low parental engagement in schools poses a significant barrier to supporting children's mental health, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. The pandemic disrupted communication and collaboration between schools and families, leading to decreased involvement in children's education and well-being. This disengagement can hinder the identification of mental health issues, as parents may be unaware of their child's struggles. Without strong partnerships, schools find it challenging to implement effective support systems, leaving vulnerable students without the guidance they need. Strengthening parental involvement is crucial for fostering a holistic approach to mental health, enabling schools and families to work together in nurturing children's well-being.
Science-backed strategies to increase resilience and perserverence
myHappymind improves children's resilience and perseverance by teaching them essential skills like growth mindset, emotional regulation, and self-awareness through engaging modules. These modules empower children to understand and manage their emotions, face challenges positively, and develop a "can-do" attitude, fostering long-term resilience and perseverance in both school and life.
Mental Health Support Teams
“I have been working within Bradford Children’s Mental Health services for 25 years and have seen things develop but never seen anything quite like myHappymind. myHappymind is a fantastic digital tool to enable teachers to gain the knowledge and teach using the tool provided on how the brain works and how to build resilience, confidence and self-esteem within children from nursery school age. The product is scalable and usable for teachers due to the technology, which is of an excellent standard, age-appropriate and accurate, and engaging. Therefore resulting in greater populations feeling the impact of the intervention.”
Real World Validation
The University of Chester’s Health Research team conducted a Real World Validation of myHappymind, examining its impact within school settings and local health priorities. Their findings indicate that “the myHappymind is an effective school-based approach to developing positive behaviours. These positive behaviours in turn strengthen pupil mental health, resilience, and well-being consistent with the expectations of current UK education and health policy.” The study highlights myHappymind as a valuable complement to broader NHS health and education initiatives, affirming that it supports local commissioning priorities and aligns with investments that promote mental well-being in schools. This validation underscores myHappymind’s role in advancing both pupil wellbeing and the strategic goals of local healthcare and education stakeholders. Read the full report here:
Real-World Knowledge Sharing
The National Innovation Accelerator focusses on capturing insight, learning and expertise on how to spread new solutions across the NHS in England. Laura Earnshaw, myHappymind's Founder & CEO, sits on the NIA Board as a 2023 Fellow and advocates for a prevention-friendly data environment
HSJ Digital Awards 2024
Reducing Health Inequalities
The HSJ Digital Awards celebrate digital innovations that transform healthcare and improve patient care. The "Reducing Health Inequalities through Digital" category recognises initiatives that use digital technologies to address health disparities, improving access to services and quality of care for underserved populations to promote fairer health outcomes. MyHappymind is often commissioned by the NHS to target schools identified by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and has been co-developed with special schools to offer a dedicated SEN programme, including support for alternative provision. Designed to be neurodiverse-friendly, myHappymind also includes adapted resources for students who are hard of hearing or partially sighted.
Improved staff well-being
myHappymind improves staff well-being and morale by equipping educators with tools and strategies to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and foster a positive mindset. The programme promotes a supportive work environment, encouraging staff to prioritise self-care and mental health, leading to a happier, more motivated, and cohesive team.
HSJ Digital Award 2024
Moving towards NetZero through digital
The HSJ Digital Awards recognise outstanding digital initiatives in healthcare that drive innovation and improve patient outcomes. In the "Moving Towards NetZero through Digital" category, organisations are celebrated for using digital technologies to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainability efforts within healthcare. This category highlights projects that leverage digital solutions to promote environmental responsibility, helping the healthcare sector transition toward a greener future .
Positive return on investment
Preventative programmes like myHappymind deliver a substantial return on investment, benefiting both individuals and the wider healthcare system. By fostering mental resilience, promoting positive wellbeing, and equipping young people with tools to manage their mental health, these programmes help reduce the future need for more intensive mental health services. The Department for Health and Social Care predicts that for every £1 invested in preventative mental health interventions, the return could be as high as £15, thanks to reductions in treatment costs, improved long-term mental health outcomes, and enhanced quality of life. Investing in early intervention, therefore, not only supports individuals’ mental wellbeing but also alleviates financial pressure on health and social care systems.
Parents
“I just wanted to say how grateful I am as a parent that school took on the myHappymind scheme. Luke had therapy today and blew the therapist’s mind when he said ‘I know what those three parts of the brain are called, Hippocampus, Amygdala and Pre-Frontal Cortex.’ The therapist who is ex-CAMHS of 20 years said she’d never heard a child Luke’s age have knowledge like that. I appreciate that my child has access to this at school as it’s supporting his mental health journey outside of school.”
Solution Identification
The NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) Programme is a platform for identifying, endorsing, and scaling transformative solutions that address the NHS’s most critical challenges and top priorities for staff and patient care. Launched in partnership with NHS England, NHS Improvement, and the Health Innovation Networks, the NIA Programme carefully selects innovations with proven impact and strong potential for wide-scale adoption across the NHS. Each chosen solution undergoes rigorous assessment and endorsement, ensuring it aligns with national healthcare objectives like improving patient outcomes, enhancing efficiency, and supporting workforce wellbeing. By facilitating access to evidence-based innovations, the NIA Programme accelerates the NHS’s ability to implement high-quality, impactful solutions that meet current health system demands.