What is Tackling the Blues?
Tackling the Blues (TtB) is a prevention and early intervention, physical activity-based mental health literacy programme delivered in partnership between Edge Hill University and Everton in the Community (EitC). TtB supports children and young people, aged 6-16 -years-old who have been diagnosed with, or identified as at risk of developing, mental illness. It addresses the complex social determinants and inequalities associated with mental health and illness through engagement with sport and physical activity.
The programme is coproduced, delivered, and evaluated with children and young people, and their schools, and is underpinned by academic research on the links between participation in sport and the arts and improved mental health and education among children and young people.
TtB offers a range of interactive and engaging activities to work with children and young people who, once engaged, participate in tailored weekly sport and educational workshop activities to promote mental health literacy and help manage experience of mental illness.
What does the role entail?
As a Tackling the Blues Support Mentor, your main responsibilities are:
- To work with TtB Coordinators and Research Assistant to support on the delivery and evaluation of tailored mental health literacy activities in schools following the TtB curriculum.
- To travel independently (and with other mentors as appropriate) to schools to deliver sessions and ensure these are reflected upon, evaluated, and recorded as part of programme monitoring and evaluation activities.
- To comply with all aspects of safeguarding policy for Everton in the Community and Edge Hill University and any partner school in which you may be working.
- To attend and participate in all relevant training and other associated programme activities, team meetings, and review and reflection sessions. These may be held at Edge Hill University or Everton in the Community.
- To ensure you adhere to all relevant safeguarding policies and procedures.
- To develop positive and supportive relationships with children and young people and ensure they are provided with all the necessary resources needed to engage in programme activity.
- To develop relationships with schools and community groups/wider children’s workforce through attending meetings and liaising with staff.
- Subject to your consent, and in line with existing ethical protocols, participate in research and knowledge exchange activity related to TtB.
What else is expected of you?
- Mentors must hold a valid Enhanced DBS certificate from Edge Hill University.
- You must always work professionally and to represent the University and Everton in the Community in line with agreed expectations.
- You will require business insurance if travelling by own car.
- You are expected to fulfil all responsibilities of the role for the full period agreed upon appointment to the role.
You must inform your designated TtB Coordinator in advance, and in line with agreed protocols, if you are unable to attend any scheduled programme activity or meetings.
Further details
This is an unpaid volunteer opportunity for Edge Hill University students.
| Requirement | Hold a valid enhanced DBS certificate obtained through Edge Hill University. Must be eligible to work in the UK and produce evidence of required visas if necessary. |
| Start and end date | From November 2024 – July 2025 |
| Agreed work pattern (days and hours) | Your timetable will be agreed in advance, and you are expected to fulfill all responsibilities according to this. |
| Time expected to commit to the project | Negotiable depending on your availability but could be up to 15hrs per week. |
| Contact for further discussions | [email protected] |
| Application deadline | 08/11/24 |
| Dates you must be available for | Mentor induction: Attendance is required at one of the below dates Date 1: 26/11/24 Date 2: 27/11/24 Role specific training: 09/12/24 and 10/12/24 School based delivery Start: 08/01/2025 End: 30/06/2025 |
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Submitting your application
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