A pioneering classroom-based mental health education programme has prevented over 900 referrals to child and adolescent mental health services and more than 1,200 referrals to mental health support teams – in just one local authority over six months.
The programme, known as myHappymind, is being commissioned by the NHS to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in schools, helping children develop resilience and emotional literacy before issues escalate.
In Kirklees, West Yorkshire, data from 31 schools using myHappymind revealed:
- 936 CAMHS referrals prevented
- 1,240 MHST referrals avoided
- 2,100 SENCO referrals reduced
This has freed up capacity for schools to support children with the most complex needs, while easing pressure on overstretched NHS services.
Beyond mental health, schools reported preventing 512 exclusions, 1,068 safeguarding incidents resolved, and improved attendance for 1,440 pupils.
The programme also supports schools in becoming more inclusive environments, particularly for children with special educational needs.
Jane Case, NHS Greater Manchester ICB’s Assistant Director of Mental Health Strategic Commissioning, commented:
“I looked at a range of programmes but the evidence base for myHappymind really stood out to me. My background as a learner mentor in schools also gave me some insight – having to make specific individual interventions and what that involved, which led me to consider the potential benefits of a whole-school approach and what that might look like. From a commissioning perspective, I then moved forward to discuss the programme in more detail with Laura and then went away and found the money.
“What has been particularly inspirational has been the feedback from children and young people and their families and the staff. From teachers around how it has changed the culture and from headteachers about how it reduced the need for external services – how they are able to contain and support more children on their own. As a commissioner it has been very empowering having that evidence to take forward.”
myHappymind includes teacher-led classroom content, a parent app to reinforce learning at home. a staff wellbeing course, and delivery of the Whole School Approach component of the MHST model
It aligns with the 10 Year Health Plan’s vision to embed preventative, digitally delivered mental health education and expand MHSTs to 100% of schools by 2029/30.
Already used in over 2,000 schools across 40+ UK regions, myHappymind is now being adopted internationally in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
With an average 30x return on investment, the programme offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional mental health services—helping schools and systems prevent need before it arises.
Image credit: iStock
