Welcome to the brand new Mind Mechanics at School blog.

As you may have already read Mind Mechanics teaches neurobiology and emotional self regulation through a series of fun workshops, delivered by mental health experts – enabling pupils to better engage with learning opportunities, achieve more highly and broaden their life chances. Put simply, we provide a toolbox for your brainbox!

Our aim is to reach as many children, young people and education practitioners as we can at a minimal cost and make the programme sustainable by simultaneously training staff as we deliver, so that Mind mechanics can be run throughout the school year without the need for additional funding.

Schools tell us that they are desperate for training and intervention from those with expertise in the field, however, funding cuts mean that schools are struggling to maintain their current staffing levels and are not in a position to commission additional services.

Subsequently, the team here at Mind Mechanics are working hard to secure funding through alternative streams. And, as we are all about finding solutions to challenges, we have some fabulous news to share!

We are delighted to announce that we have been successful in our bid to secure funding from Greater Manchester Higher, a collaborative network of higher education providers in Greater Manchester who are working together to raise the ambitions of young people and the awareness of higher education through providing impartial information, advice and guidance (IAG), alongside a menu of outreach activities.

GMH deliver the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP) programme in Greater Manchester, a programme with the overall aim of reaching the government’s goal of doubling participation in Higher Education amongst disadvantaged groups by 2020.

Our work focuses on Y9-13 learners and their key influencers. This intervention is funded by Greater Manchester Higher and is only accessible to cohorts who meet the relevant eligibility criteria for NCOP. See www.gmhigher.ac.uk for more information.

Eligible schools in Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, Tameside, Salford, Trafford and Wigan will soon be able to apply for Mind Mechanics through the GMH hub. If your school meet criteria please contact your local hub manager or call us directly on 07790 500487.

We look forward to meeting you soon!