New well-being resource for children

A new resource to equip the church to support well-being in children aged 4–11.

Poor mental health is increasing in children and young people in the UK with ‘1 in 6’ now likely to be struggling with their mental health. To help equip churches in the vital role they play in supporting children in their communities, we are developing ‘10:10 For Children’ an innovative new well-being resource based on our 10:10 youth version.

Supported by a £20,000 grant from Benefact Trust’s ‘Brighter Lives’ mental health grants programme, along with a number of other trusts and individual donors,‘10:10 For Children’ will enable churches to help 4-11 year old’s explore the foundations to building a happier life. With a wide range of easy to use material, it will create opportunities for children to discover important principles that increase their resilience and better develop their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being.

The resource will explore key themes that are built on the foundations of positive psychology, spirituality and Christian values, exploring ideas like purpose, thankfulness, kindness, forgiveness, healthy relationships, coping strategies and how to look after the mind, body and soul; all widely recognised to support good mental health.

With at least 30 hours of adaptable material, 10:10 will be suitable for a wide variety of contexts, including all age services, small groups, assemblies and lunch time clubs. It will be designed to enable adults to create meaningful and helpful spaces with children, giving them the opportunity to discover different ways they can look after their well-being.

Nathan Jones, our Assistant Director said: “Churches have an amazing opportunity to create safe spaces for children and help them to discover how they pursue a good and meaningful life. 10:10 For Children will provide those who work with children the tools to explore well-being in a way that is safe and helpful to them.

“We are grateful to Benefact Trust, as without their support 10:10 for Children may not have been possible. We’re delighted that they have shown faith in the project, recognising its potential in building confidence and resilience in children, and having a positive, long-term impact on their well-being.”

Paul Playford, Grants Officer for Benefact Trust, said: “We are delighted to continue to support The Ugly Duckling Company through the development of their 10:10 For Children resource. Our Brighter Lives grants programme was created to help organisations make a real difference to people’s mental health, and this project will encourage positive mental well-being and resilience from an early age, setting strong foundations for adulthood.”

For churches looking to find out more about the 10:10 resource please contact us at: nathan@theuglyducklingcompany.com or visit the website: www.1010.org.uk/children to sign up for more details as the project unfolds.