A Wirral woman is helping improve the mental health and well-being of children in the borough with fun, interactive workshops.
Jessica Trigg launched Positivity Club CIC in 2020 during lockdown and has since helped improve the lives of around 2,000 children through her vital work.
Committed to combatting the child mental health crisis, Jess said the workshops give children the tools required to lead happy lives.
Through sessions and workshops in primary schools and after school clubs, Jess teaches children about subjects such as feelings, love and self-love, kindness, anger, worry and gratitude — delivered through fun and engaging games.
With feedback described as 'incredible' from teachers, parents and children, Jess’ work bridges the gap at a time when it’s truly needed.
According to a recent study, one in six children aged five to 16 were identified as having a probable mental health problem and just over one in three children and young people with a diagnosable mental health condition get access to NHS care and treatment.
The Children’s Society say 50% of all mental health problems start by the age of 14 and 39.2% of six to 16 year olds had experienced deterioration in mental health since 2017.
The statistics made Jess even more determined to deliver her workshops and reach out to as many children as possible.
"From working with a broad range of children for over 16 years, across early years to teenagers and even teaching in Thailand and volunteering in Australia, I have developed an understanding of how to make mental health fun.”
She continued: “I believe by creating engaging activities around serious topics inspires learning and instils coping strategies. When the children learn that I struggled too, it creates a special bond on understanding and like-mindedness.”
Profound feedback for Positivity Club CIC has been flying in — with many parents and teachers stating that they’ve noticed some really positive changes in children.
With one-third of mental health problems in adulthood directly connected to an adverse childhood experience and mental health an increasing problem in society, working with children from an early age is key.
Vicky, family support worker at Kingsway Primary School, said: "Jess is absolutely amazing and inspirational to young people she turns up with a huge smile on her face and as soon as you see her you start to feel positive straight away.
"The children love Tuesday and really look forward to her coming in. Afterwards they are so happy and excited to tell us what they have done.”
She continued: "Jess is fantastic with children she has the natural ability to put them at ease and happily chat away to her.
"Our children love positivity club and talk so much about it we have other children asking from other year groups if they can join in too.”
Erin, class teacher at Hoylake Holy Trinity Primary School, said: "It is brilliant to offer Positivity Club to the children at Hoylake Holy Trinity.
"The values and skills that Jess teaches, through engaging and varied activities, are so important to our pupils."
She continued: “At our school we value the development of the whole child, and teach them to recognise and regulate their feelings and emotions – Positivity Club is the perfect after school club to support this.
"Jess is hugely knowledgeable and is a warm, engaging, ray of sunshine and we’re very lucky to have her as part of our school community."
In addition to the Positivity Club events, Jess also runs a child/parent group on a Friday at Equilibrium Northwest CIC in Birkenhead called Happy Minds and 1:1 sessions at ABC Children’s Centre in Moreton and sessions in nurseries.
She also runs Time For Tea adult support group every other Wednesday at 6.30pm at Lateral in West Kirby — improving the mental health of the wider community.
Positivity Club is delivered in pre-school nurseries and schools and also outside of school hours on Saturday mornings at St. Caths in Hoylake, on Wednesday afternoons at Holy Trinity in Hoylake, on Thursday afternoons at Corner House CIO in Birkenhead. Meanwhile, a Time For Teens group at St. Luke’s in Hoylake works with teenagers.
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For a free trial for your child or to discuss school workshops contact Jess on 07377122156 or email positivityclubwithjess@gmail.com
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