OPTICIANS in Reading, Lower Earley and Woodley have set their sights on supporting children with their mental wellbeing.
The teams at Specsavers are funding a project to create classroom wellbeing kits with the aim supporting primary school aged children and equip them with positive, effective coping skills in an interactive and engaging way.
The classroom wellbeing kits are the brainchild of Witney-based, former Montessori teacher Mitch Pinkney and her small business Cups of Calm and More.
After hearing about her story and passion for the cause, store director Ravi Bhardwaj was keen to support her.
“There is a worryingly high number of school pupils experiencing stress, anxiety and mental health issues and, with pressures on resources and educators, it’s an issue that needs more support,” Mr Bhardwaj said.
“Mitch’s passion for the cause is inspirational. Our partnership will see the delivery of effective resources to primary schools, including Wilson Primary, Woodley C of E Primary and Abbey Junior School, which will go on to give children the support, strategies, skills and confidence to manage their emotions and wellbeing.”
Ms Pinkney first started making resources solely for her son to help him manage his feelings and discovered a severe shortage of products on the market.
Her resources bring together her expertise, researches and knowledge, combined with the most recommended, science-based, evidence-backed advice, strategies, and techniques from mental health experts.
“I can’t thank Specsavers enough for their support,” she said.
“What started as a conversation during a routine eye test at Specsavers Witney has snowballed and now stores in and around Reading are helping to bring the resources to more schools.
“I strongly believe that if children are effectively supported at an early age with their mental health and emotions, and they have the knowledge, language, and skills to express and manage them, all other areas of their development will thrive and flourish. Mental health is as important as our physical health.”
The kits come with lesson plans and an advice sheet linked to the national curriculum.
