This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place from May 12th to 18th and has the theme of ‘Community’, and we want to spotlight our BrainWaves Research Partners, who are a vital part of our growing community! Together, we’re creating a platform where educators can come together and transform mental health education and enhance the wellbeing of young people.
The philosophy behind the BrainWaves education programme is simple: combine the latest research and academic thinking around mental health to provide classroom resources that are evidence-based, engaging and empowering.
These resources aim to create a safe space in the classroom where open discussions and learning about mental health can take place. BrainWaves offers a suite of resources to support this mission, including a comprehensive Wellbeing Curriculum, Teacher CPD Webinars, and insightful lesson support blogs and research guides. These tools equip educators with the knowledge and confidence to effectively address mental health topics.
The BrainWaves lessons are grounded in the latest research and insights into teenage mental health and have received approval from educational and psychiatric experts at the University of Oxford. By leveraging the principles of positive psychology, these lessons empower students to take charge of their mental health and cultivate optimism through practical wellbeing strategies.
One member of our community, an Assistant SENCO & Head of Research, shared their experience of using these lessons and said, “Implementing the BrainWaves Wellbeing Curriculum in our school has profoundly impacted our students’ mental health and overall development. The concise teacher guides, scientific backing, and webinars have been invaluable, empowering our staff to deliver sensitive content confidently and effectively. This has contributed to a school-wide culture that prioritises mental health and wellbeing.”
In another testament to the programme’s success, a PSHE Senior Subject Lead at Lilian Baylis Technology School said, “BrainWaves has had a significant impact on our students, helping them develop key skills and confidence that go far beyond the classroom. The programme’s engaging approach has strengthened their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities while also sparking curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. We’ve seen real improvements in their ability to collaborate, communicate, and tackle challenges with resilience.”
Importantly, as a fully donation-funded initiative, BrainWaves creates opportunities and resources that might otherwise be out of reach for many students. The positive effects on their academic progress and engagement have been evident, making BrainWaves an invaluable part of their educational journey!
We’re immensely proud of the BrainWaves community we’re building. If you’re interested in learning more about how your school or college can get involved, please reach out to us at support@brainwaveshub.org.uk
Let’s work together to build a brighter, healthier future for our students! Please note that at this time, we are only looking for UK-based settings with 16+ provision to get involved.
