The ‘FRIENDS for Life’ programme is a school-based positive mental health programme. The programme helps our children to develop effective strategies to deal with worry, stress and change and teaches the skills required to reduce anxiety and promote resilience. It is beneficial for all pupils, irrespective of their anxiety level.

Due to the increasing awareness among our staff and parents of the need to understand and address the emotional and mental well-being needs of children and young people, the school began the process of training teachers to deliver the “Friends” programmes in our school. Training was provided by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)

 

At Scoil Íosagáin (prior to Covid-19) we ran the programme as a class based anxiety prevention programme in the 5th class year group.

We also ran a version of Friends for Life for our younger children in 1st class called “Fun Friends.”

We will resume the programme in the 2022/2023.

 

The word ‘FRIENDS for Life’ is an acronym that helps children and adolescents to remember the coping steps to follow:

F - Feeling Worried?

R - Relax and feel good

I - I can do it!

E - Explore solutions and coping step plans

N - Now reward yourself

D – Don’t forget to practice 

S - Stay cool!

 

The World Health Organisation cites ‘FRIENDS for Life’ as the only evidence-based programme effective at all levels of intervention for anxiety in children (WHO 2004). For more information:

https://www.nbss.ie/interventions-and-projects/wellbeing/friends-for-life