Backed by a £1,000 gift from the city’s freemen, Amber Bee CIC, a national community interest company will, from this September, begin delivering to 14 local primary schools specialist support to youngsters ahead of their switch to city’s secondary schools in the autumn of 2025 and 2026.
The company, based in Chester, has reached out to over two million youngsters across Britain in the last decade, providing support across a range of issues.
Three years ago, it launched its “Barney and Echo, Mindfulness Project,” working with The Police Community Clubs of Great Britain and others to help parents and teachers prepare youngsters for the personal, social and mental health challenges they may face when stepping up to secondary school.
Amber Bee’s project manager, Ian Jackson, explained: “Many of the primary children we deal with are already internet-savvy when they leave to go to secondary school. By offering a flexible way to deal with possible emotional changes, like bullying or grooming, they will be better equipped to make good choices.”
The project, with a core message that mental health is just as important as physical health, is delivered over several months by volunteer teaching professionals, teaching staff and the support of parents. The estimated cost of delivery in Durham is about £5,000, nearly all spent on a work book for each child, as well packs for both school staff and parents. Additional activities are incorporated into lesson planning and are supported by posters and includes a drama production.
The fourteen primaries involved are:- Laurel Avenue; St Joseph’s RC; Durham Gilesgate; St Oswald’s CofE; St Margaret’s; Belmont CofE; Blue Coat CofE; Neville’s Cross; St Thomas More; St Godric’s RC; Finchale; Framwellgate Moor; Shincliffe CofE; and Belmont Cheveley Park.
