School name: Marshside Primary School
Teacher name: Claire Hilbert
Role: PSHE and PE Curriculum lead, Class Teacher
How did you get involved with TtB
We have been an ‘Everton Supporters School’ for a number of years, and have been involved in various programmes with them. Following the tragic events of the summer (in Southport), which directly impacted our school, Tackling the Blues in partnership with Edge Hill University and Everton in the Community offered to run their TtB programme with our children.
Why did your school want to work with TtB?
As a school, we have placed a greater emphasis on mental health and wellbeing in recent years, and particularly this year following the events of the summer. A number of children were struggling with anxiety associated with the events, so we jumped at the opportunity to work with TtB to help provide support.
Which year group(s) do TtB work with in your school, and why those groups?
Year 5 have been working with the TtB programme. This class were directly affected by the events of the summer, and other children in the class have suffered bereavements and loss in recent years.
What have the pupils learned about mental health with TtB
The pupils have developed a greater understanding of mental health, what it means to them and the impact it can have on their everyday lives. They have learnt that’s it ok to have difficult feelings and how to manage those feelings.
What impact has TtB had on the pupils?
TtB has had an extremely positive and profound impact on all the pupils involved. It has especially helped to dispel the stigma of mental health, especially within the boys. Tackling this issue through sport has given them a different take on mental health, and a more rounded understanding. Pupils have openly and confidently talked to staff when they have been struggling with their mental health, which has been a real impact of the programme.
What impact has TtB had on the staff?
Staff have been able to develop a greater understanding of how to support and talk to children who may be struggling with their mental health. Support staff have shared how they have used the games and activities used in the sessions with pupils outside the classroom, and it’s helped develop their confidence around this area.
How has TtB impacted conversations about mental health in your school?
We have always openly talked about mental health within our school, as we’ve had a real focus on it, particularly since covid. We have seen a rise in the number of children, particularly boys, talking about their mental health which has opened up wider conversations.
Has TtB contributed to your whole school approach to mental health, if so how?
TtB has been integrated into our whole school approach, as our Learning Mentor has been able to use the principles and ideas to develop other areas around school, where mental health is a focus. It has also contributed towards the schools mental health offer, which is part of an application to receive a whole school mental health award.
What do the pupils enjoy about TtB?
All the pupils have been thoroughly engaged and involved in all the TtB sessions. The fact it is delivered by staff from Everton in the Community and students from Edge Hill University has children engaged straight away, and the activities undertaken are fun and enjoyable. Whilst they don’t all have a football-focus, for the boys it’s showing them that mental health is important first everyone, even footballers!
Would you recommend TtB to other schools?
I couldn’t recommend TtB highly enough to other schools! I really feel that the delivery of such an important programme, in partnership with a football club, gives it an added element of accessibility and relatability. This is particularly important for boys, who statistically are more likely to hide mental health struggles. Learning that everyone struggles, even professional footballers and sportspeople, really can change their perspective of mental health.
Is there anything else you would like to share about TtB that isn’t mentioned here?
I would just like to acknowledge the incredible work that the EitC and EHU students do, when delivering the sessions and organising events. To see how confident and comfortable the children are with the coaches is testament to the brilliant job they do!