What is wellbeing and resilience?

The World Health Organisation defines wellbeing as ‘the state in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her own community”(1).  Resilience, which is directly related to wellbeing, is the ability to ‘bounce back from adversity, as well as having the ability to cope with and adapt to new situations.

Wellbeing and resilience are increasingly important to cultivate in children and young people. Rates of depression, suicidal behaviours, eating disorders and substance abuse have increased steadily among young people in recent decades. In the UK, one in eight children and young people suffer from mental health problems including depression, anxiety and conduct disorder (2). This rises to one in four people in adulthood and is often a direct response to adverse life events (2). Half of all mental health conditions begin before the age of 14. Therefore, building positive wellbeing and resilience from a young age is vital.

Why is this important to Ormiston Trust?

Ormiston Trust believes that a whole school approach is required to empower young people to build strong mental health and resilience. Schools have great potential for action, and much literature recognises schools as a key factor in building resilience in the face of adversities such as poverty and family difficulties (3). Good health is about more than simply the absence of sickness. Wellbeing and resilience are crucial in establishing a holistic approach to health, addressing both physical and psychological needs. As the pressures and challenges placed on young people continue to evolve, actively building resilience in school from an early age is essential.

By funding grant programmes to assist young people and promote wellbeing and resilience, Ormiston Trust hopes to use the school as a community hub in supporting young people and cultivating wellbeing and resilience in young people in Ormiston academies.

Grant programme examples: awareness-raising campaigns, wellbeing mentors, online / face to face counselling, arts-based counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, adventure residentials, Personal Social Health (PSHE) education.

Desired Outcomes

References

(1) World Health Organization, 2018. “Mental health: strengthening our response”. Who.int. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response

(2) NHS, 2018. “Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2017 [PAS]”. NHS Digital. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/mental-health-of-children-and-young-people-in-england/2017/2017

(3) Public Health England, 2014. “Local action on health inequalities: Building children and young people’s resilience in schools”. Public Health England. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/355766/Review2_Resilience_in_schools_health_inequalities.pdf