Buddy Bench programs release the stigma of asking for help, celebrate children who act with compassion, kindness, and empathy, and encourage development of conflict-management skills.

The Buddy Bench, placed in the school yard or play area, can be used by children when they are new to a school, want to make new friends, want to take a break. Sitting on the bench lets everyone know you are being with your emotions and thoughts, so others are free to check in with you and see if you're ok.

Each program comprises:
For the school:
 Buddy Benches installed in school playground;
 unique online resources (including learning modules, AV content, classroom exercises, visual aids) that support the education setting to adopt a whole-school approach to mental & emotional wellbeing, including tools & guidance for co-creating original resources.

For pupils:
 30-50 min learning experiences delivered by trained facilitators;
 Activity Book containing creative activities the child can explore in their own time, at their own pace, which teach tools for self-assessment, coping, developing language for feelings

For Teachers, Teaching Assistants & other school staff:
 innovative Continuous Professional Development Training; Wellness Guardian Program trains adults to understand & support mental wellbeing in children, deliver Buddy Bench learning experiences, & prepares them to be appropriate ‘First Responders’ to individual cases where further supports are required
 Teacher’s Resource Pack that outlines the thinking & practice behind Buddy Bench programs’ design & how they align with Mental Health Foundation's '7 Core Competencies' & Dept of Health's '15 Protective Factors'.

This is a universal early intervention that seeks to promote a culture of self-expression, listening, tolerance, resilience, and mutual support, in effect validating & mainstreaming within a school how children – we have discovered – already relate to each other, or aspire to relate to each other.
Our program is oriented around:
Thinking & Feeling – the value that each person brings through their own uniqueness;
Finding a voice & Listening –social value of self-expression, empathy, & mutual understanding.

Through supporting core competencies of empathy, creativity, mindfulness & communication, & promoting a child-led culture, we are empowering a generation of children to create a world where it’s OK – i.e. normal, natural, easy & fun to express yourself.

Bench acts as a space where children work out together how to support and accept themselves & each other.
Learning Experiences seed & build communication skills (including active and non-judgemental listening, empathy and reflection) that enable children to continue to grow in mental & emotional wellness.
Activity Book is a private vehicle for reflection, creative thinking, self-expression, exploring the language & textures of feelings.