£100,000 funding boost for mental health support in primary schools

More children in Hampshire will now benefit from mental health and wellbeing support thanks to an investment of over £100,000 announced today by Hampshire County Council.

Already available across most of the county, the funding will expand the successful “My Happy Mind” programme to primary schools across North-East Hampshire, extending the opportunity for all schools in Hampshire to take part. Designed to help children understand their emotions, build confidence, and cope with life’s challenges the programme takes a whole-school approach to mental wellbeing. Pupils, teachers, and school staff work together through a range of structured activities including classroom discussions, interactive games, school assemblies and playground-based learning. Families can also take part with access to online resources and live coaching sessions.

“This investment reflects our strong commitment to supporting the mental wellbeing of children in our communities,” said Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, the County Council’s Elected Member for Health and Wellbeing. “Good mental health is the foundation for a good life. This programme is about giving children the tools to understand themselves, manage their emotions, and create a supportive environment for children’s emotional development.”

The initiative reflects a growing national recognition of the importance of supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, helping them to be happy, resilient, and ready to learn. With one in six children aged 5 to 16 now likely to have a diagnosable mental health condition, early support is important. By focusing on schools in areas that have not yet had access to the programme, the Council is helping to ensure early support is available to children across the county.

Schools will be able to access the funded programme over the next year, which forms part of Hampshire’s wider strategy to improve mental wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.