Creative boost for children’s mental health

A North East mental health initiative is helping thousands of children build resilience and wellbeing skills through creative learning.

Award-winning theatre, drama and creative learning charity Mortal Fools has delivered its MELVA programme to over 10,000 children across the region, thanks to funding from the North East Combined Authority (NECA). 

The interactive digital programme, designed for seven to eleven-year-olds, uses storytelling and creative activities to help children understand and manage their mental health.

Kiz Crosbie, artistic director and chief executive of Mortal Fools, which has offices in Ashington and Prudhoe, in Northumberland, said: “For some time now, the statutory systems designed to support children with their mental health have been overwhelmed by the growing demand.

“With unbearably long waiting lists, worsening statistics and no solutions in sight, we urgently need new ways to support our children’s mental health. 

“MELVA is our contribution – proven to be effective – and the tremendous support from the North East Combined Authority demonstrates that they also take the crisis seriously and recognise that new approaches are urgently required.

“Together we are getting MELVA into the lives of more children than we ever thought possible and I am excited to find ways to replicate this success across the wider North and beyond.”

Initially backed by £30,000 in 2023 via the Education Improvement Programme, NECA has since increased its support with six-figure funding following “very positive” feedback, allowing MELVA to expand into 100 schools.

Results show that children’s understanding of mental health, having accessed the MELVA programme, improved by 94 per cent, with practical knowledge rising by 99 per cent.

NECA’s investment is part of its broader commitment to tackling child poverty and improving wellbeing across the region.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, North East Combined Authority portfolio holder for education, inclusion and skills and leader of South Tyneside Council, added: “Addressing the rising social, emotional and mental health needs in North East schools is a key priority for our Education Improvement programme.

“Our investment in the MELVA programme provides support which equips students with resilience and coping skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

“MELVA creates an environment that prioritises emotional well-being and fosters a positive and inclusive atmosphere that benefits all students, regardless of their identified social, emotional and mental health needs. 

“The feedback from schools, Trusts and local authority school improvement teams taking part has been very positive.”

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