Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH)
Lego therapy (social skills)
LEGO® therapy is a structured, play-based approach that uses collaborative LEGO building to support the development of social communication and teamwork skills.
By encouraging individuals to take on different roles and work together towards a shared goal, it promotes turn-taking, problem-solving, and interaction in a motivating and supportive environment.
Lego therapy (social skills) resources
ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)
ELSA is a targeted intervention that supports children and young people to develop their emotional awareness, resilience, and social skills.
Delivered through tailored, small-group or one-to-one sessions, it provides a safe and nurturing space to explore feelings, build coping strategies, and improve confidence and emotional wellbeing.
ELSA resources
PACE
The PACE approach is a way of supporting individuals through relationships built on Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy. It helps adults respond in a calm, attuned, and non-judgemental way, creating a safe and trusting environment where individuals feel understood, supported, and better able to regulate their emotions and behaviour.
PACE resources
Therapeutic storywriting
Therapeutic storywriting is an approach that uses storytelling to support emotional expression and wellbeing.
Through creating and sharing stories in a structured and supportive environment, individuals can explore feelings, process experiences, and develop resilience, while also building confidence in their communication and creativity.
Therapeutic story writing resources
CBT approach - hot cross bun model
The CBT 'hot cross bun' model is a visual framework used to help individuals understand the links between their thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviours.
By exploring how these areas influence one another, it supports individuals to recognise patterns, develop self-awareness, and learn practical strategies to manage challenges and respond in more helpful ways.
CBT approach - hot cross bun model resources
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is an approach that encourages individuals to focus on the present moment with openness and without judgement.
Through simple practices such as breathing, noticing sensations, and guided reflection, it supports emotional regulation, reduces stress, and promotes greater awareness. This helps individuals to feel calmer and more able to manage everyday challenges.
Mindfulness resources
Growth mindset
Growth mindset is an approach that encourages individuals to believe that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, practice, and learning from mistakes.
It promotes resilience, persistence, and a positive attitude towards challenges, helping individuals to build confidence and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Growth mindset resources
Circle of friends
Circle of friends is a structured intervention that supports individuals to develop social skills, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
It involves bringing together a small group of peers to provide support, encouragement, and practical strategies, helping the individual to build confidence, improve interactions, and feel included within their social environment.
Circle of friends resources
Buddy system
A buddy system is a supportive approach used in schools where a peer is paired with another student to offer guidance, friendship, and practical help.
It promotes inclusion, confidence, and social interaction, helping individuals feel more supported and settled within the school environment while developing positive peer relationships.
Buddy system resources
Restorative approach
A restorative approach is a way of supporting behaviour and relationships by focusing on repairing harm, rebuilding trust, and restoring connections.
It encourages open dialogue, reflection, and accountability, helping individuals to understand the impact of their actions and work collaboratively towards positive outcomes in a respectful and supportive environment.
Restorative approach resources
Thrive approach
The thrive approach is a holistic, relationship-based framework that supports the social and emotional development of children and young people.
It focuses on understanding behaviour as communication and provides tailored strategies to meet individual needs, helping to build resilience, self-regulation, and positive relationships in a safe and supportive environment.