Yes! for Schools

The Challenge

‘It is easier to build a strong child than repair a broken man’. – Frederick Douglass

Many children leave school ill-equipped for life. In the UK, our education system is focused on academics, but many of our schools are overwhelmed with pressure, stress, emotional burn-out, bullying and trauma.

The young become disengaged from education and this has drastic implications for the mental wellbeing of our young.

Statistics from Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA):

Suicide is the most common cause of death for those aged 10-19.

Self-harming behaviours can begin at any age, but commonly begin at ages 13-15.

About 18% of students age 12-17 report self-harming at some point in their life.

26.8% of people aged 16-24 report having had suicidal thoughts in their lifetime, a higher percentage than any other age group.

34.6% of females and 19.3% of males aged 16-24 have had thoughts of suicide in their lifetime.

This has very severe consequences for the young people and our society.

We can change that!

Our Aim & Approach

Through a 16 hour programme young students are taught essential life skills in how to effectively manage stress and emotions leading to increased achievement in the classroom and beyond.

Programme workshops are integrated into the curriculum. These impart powerful breathing techniques, mind skills and interactive processes to reduce stress.

YES! for Schools empowers and inspires the young to take responsibility for their education, giving them cognitive and psychosocial tools.

YES! for Schools brings alive core values in young people: confidence, respect, resilience and service.

YES! for Schools is a flexible programme which can be tailored to suit each schools’ needs and time availability.

Read more about our programme in the UK here – https://yesforschools.org.uk/

Our Impact

The YES! For Schools programme started its journey in the US some 15 years ago where it is now known as SKY Schools.

It proved so effective and valuable that the programme quickly expanded so more countries could benefit. It has had great success in schools internationally over the last 15 years with a reach of well over 100,000 young people.

The students in these schools have witnessed significant improvement in all aspects (e.g. behaviour, academic results, wellbeing).

Graduates of our programme have experienced a 44% increase in ‘growth mindset’ and they in turn empower their peers, leading to a strengthened and resilient community.

Students practising the SKY breathing technique regularly report these positive changes in their wellbeing –

75% feel better able to manage their emotions and stress.

79% feel calmer and more relaxed.

75% reported better focus and quality of sleep.

Source: https://skyschools.org/research/

How You Can Contribute

Help us reach more UK schools by partnering with us. We are actively looking for project ambassadors to champion YES! For Schools in your local primary or secondary schools.

To know more about our programme and how you can get involved, please email us at yesforschools@iahv.org.uk