Mind Moose: Innovative approach offers essential life skills for children’s mental health and wellbeing

A brand new web-based tool is offering a pioneering take on childhood learning, helping children develop an awareness of the key role played by a positive approach to mental health and well-being, as well as proving an invaluable resource for early intervention among parents and professionals.

The brainchild of founder Zoe Ross, Mind Moose is designed to help children develop good social and emotional health and mental well-being and enable adults to spot possible issues and provide early intervention, a key factor in the prevention of mental health problems.

A former teacher, Ross has created a platform which helps children recognise their own positive qualities and achievements and provide them with insight into how their own minds work, using evidence-based techniques to help them manage the often overpowering emotions of childhood.

With the aid of approachable characters led by Mind Moose, the platform helps children aged 7-12 develop the healthy habits and crucial self-knowledge which will set them in good stead for a bright future.

An additional interactive dimension is included with collaborative ‘Moose Missions’, to encourage discussion between peers, children, teachers and parents and the inclusion of badges and certificates ensures children are provided with positive reinforcement, while educators and parents are provided with valuable information about the child.

With support from pioneering early stage ‘tech for good’ investor Bethnal Green Ventures, Mind Moose is gathering traction as a highly valuable resource for the classroom.

Jessica Stacey, Partner at Bethnal Green Ventures said; “We invested in MindMoose because we believe it has the potential to radically impact lives by improving children’s mental health and wellbeing and building resilience for the future. It’s a great example of how technology can be applied to tackle massive social problems, such as mental health.”

Part of the Bethnal Green investment includes a partnership with The Children’s Society. Their Head of Investment and Partnerships, Kirsten Naudé said: “Technology provides so many opportunities for young people and can open up new pathways for them to access early support to help them thrive. Through the Bethnal Green Ventures partnership, The Children’s Society is delighted to support Mind Moose to further break cycles of disadvantage facing young people, particularly those affected by mental and emotional wellbeing challenges.”

Schools are already seeing a positive reaction to the programme. “We’re really enjoying using Mind Moose at St. Aidan’s,” says Moira Kenneway, Headteacher of St. Aidan’s Catholic Primary School in Knowsley, who have been using Mind Moose with some of their most vulnerable pupils. “Our learning mentor has been using it with children in Years 2 to 6, to help him find out more about each child and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. We’ve also used it as a whole class resource in Years 1 & 5, and found huge levels of engagement and reflection from the children. We would highly recommend Mind Moose, it is fantastic!”

Find out more about Mind Moose at the official website www.mindmoose.co.uk or book a demo of the Mind Moose programme at www.mindmoose.co.uk/demo.

Press responses to be sent to: zoe@mindmoose.co.uk

Joe Ludlow from BGV, Zoe Ross from Mind Moose and Kirsten Naude from The Children’s Society