Continued Support for Children’s Mental Health through MELVA

Ryder is proud to continue to support children’s wellbeing by sponsoring the award winning MELVA programme for a second year.

Muckle LLPSorella Sorella, Square One Law and Ryder are this year’s sponsors of MELVA, an award winning programme developed by creative learning charity Mortal Fools.

MELVA is delivered by teachers in primary school settings and with older young people in specialist provision. Available through annual licences, MELVA uses creative storytelling, engaging characters, and practical activities to help children and young people learn about how to recognise, understand, talk about and manage their mental wellbeing.

Recent Public Health England statistics show that 1 in 5 children and young people have a probable mental health disorder – and that suicide is now the main cause of death in children in the UK.

This generation of children and young people, generation alpha, have experienced uniquely challenging circumstances. As a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, many spent long periods isolated and indoors, have grown up during times of political, social and economic turmoil, with factors like the cost of living crisis intensifying pressures on children.

The MELVA programme has been designed for prevention and early intervention. It is for all children, not just those who are already struggling or in crisis. The programme focuses on teaching children and young people foundational basic skills and the understanding they need to keep themselves well, whatever challenges they might face in their lives now and in the future. It supports them to develop emotional literacy, resilience pathways, and healthy, supportive relationships.

Richard Wise, partner at Ryder, added: “As a business we’re committed to helping young people to progress and thrive by supporting education initiatives in the communities in which we work.

“MELVA has never been more relevant. It tackles issues of anxiety, confidence and mental health in an imaginative and engaging way, and we are delighted to be supporting the programme for a second year.”

At a time when school budgets are being squeezed more than ever, support from local businesses enables children and young people across the region and beyond to benefit from the programme.

Kiz Crosbie, Mortal Fools CEO and Artistic Director, commented: “Sponsorship from compassionate and civic-minded businesses has enabled us to remove significant barriers for schools to access MELVA, placing effective mental health resources directly into the hands of the children who need it most.

“The more businesses like this we work with, the more children we can reach. We would love more businesses to invest in MELVA, so we can reach even more young people!”

Find out more about how your business can support the MELVA programme here.