We’re excited to announce a new phase of the Hummingbird Project, which will involve researching the specific mental health support needs of pupils in special educational needs (SEN) schools across the North West. Our findings will inform the development of a bespoke Hummingbird course tailored to young people with learning disabilities and other special educational needs.
Delivered by MedEquip4Kids, the Hummingbird Project is an evidence-based Positive Psychology course that has reached over 8,000 children in mainstream schools. It focuses on key themes such as happiness, kindness, resilience and mindfulness, delivered through interactive activities and supported by free resource packs for schools. Now we plan to adapt the project specifically for the unique needs of pupils in special schools.
Children with learning disabilities are more than four times as likely to experience mental health problems as their peers, but many of these issues go unrecognised or unsupported. Our aim is to understand what approach works best for these pupils and create a programme that helps them to thrive.
We have already taught the Hummingbird Project in a number of SEN settings, including Turning Point Academy in Ormskirk and Expanse Learning in Wigan. These pilots revealed that students with learning disabilities benefit most from a kinaesthetic, sensory-based approach, rather than traditional classroom learning methods.
Over the next two years our Project Co-ordinator, Sonia Ebenezer-Bamigbayan (pictured above), who is a qualified teacher, schools counsellor, and Positive Psychology specialist, will work alongside the University of Greater Manchester to carry out a focused research study. The project will begin with visits to special schools to gather insights from staff and identify best practices. This research will inform the design of a new course and training manual, which will be piloted in selected schools before a full rollout.
The work comes at a time of increasing pressure on child mental health services. Referrals to NHS services have risen by 71% in just five years, and children with learning disabilities face even greater challenges accessing support. We hope the new Hummingbird Project for special schools will lead to more equitable access to mental health resources and support long-term improvements in wellbeing for children with additional needs.
If you are involved in a SEN school and are interested in taking part in Sonia’s research, please contact us at info@medequip4kids.org.uk.
