The Big House (Ireland), Limavady

Following a pilot with six primary schools and around 2300 children under the Healthy Happy Minds Programme (now cancelled by the DoE), The Big House intended to offer more programmes under the scheme to primary schools in Limavady, Coleraine and the surrounding area – either free of charge or at a significantly reduced rate.  The application form detailed how an eight week programme of 45 minute sessions encourages P7 children to try out 20 different positive coping mechanisms to help them deal with difficult circumstances they may encounter.  Learning how the scheme was intended as a ‘toolbox’ to prevent some youngsters from entering the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service process, and hearing about positive feedback from children, teachers and classroom assistants, the Committee agreed to support The Big House with a grant of £2,000 from the Drapers’ Company Fund.