Mind Mechanics for Children

This book is so well placed to be every DMHL's (Designated mental health leads) support book for interventions. We know we need to be preemptive and proactive however when it comes to actual interventions we also want to make sure they are evidenced based. Often we are unsure about what interventions we should use as we are not mental health clinicians. Mind mechanics by Sarah Rawsthorn can be used to fill this gap in knowledge and offer DMHL's the confidence to use her book as a targeted resource for those children identified as being vulnerable or with mild to moderate levels of mental health problems . The DMHL has the choice to select particular activities to be used in the school's mental health curriculum or as interventions to meet specific needs. What I really like about this book and the interventions they offer is the pre and post-intervention assessment tools at the first and last sessions. This enables the school's DMHL to measure the progress of individual children and use these assessments to target further intervention or it provides the evidence needed when making referrals to specialist mental health services. -- Clare Erasmus, author of The Mental Health and Wellbeing Handbook for Schools What makes Mind Mechanics so remarkable, is how it supports a non-specialist to deliver an intervention which is underpinned by research and effective practice. It uses a practical, creative approach to support children and young people to develop independent, problem-solving strategies in the face of emotional challenges. -- Donna Lewis, Headteacher, and Kate Jones, SENCo A cornucopia of flexible, fun, evidence-based activities suitable for small group intervention, or as a whole school approach to emotional literacy and skills building. The clear plans and ready-to-go resources, mean you have everything you need to get started right away. Enjoy! -- Dr. Pooky Knightsmith, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Expert