2017/18 has seen the Derby County Community Trust launch a new initiative in local Primary Schools to improve mental well-being and reduce stress around SATs and the transition up to secondary school.

The programme, which is unique to Derbyshire, will see the Community Trust work alongside the Premier League Primary Stars initiative focusing on addressing two key milestones amongst year six pupils: SATs and the transition into year seven.

Porterbrook, who are based in Derby, specialise in the leasing of railway rolling stock and associated equipment. As a local business, they are keen to give something back to the community and their funding has allowed the Community Trust to create the programme alongside the Premier League.

The three key strands of delivery will be:

Resilient mind - coping strategies, goal setting, planning ahead, stretch and relax
Healthy mind - health, lifestyle, diet
Active mind - physical activity to combat stress and anxiety/linking activity to revision clubs/ transitions festivals linking into the secondary schools pupils will be going to.

Alongside the work with pupils, the Derby County Community Trust will support both teachers and parents to ensure the programme maximises its potential through a series of workshops.

Lauren Asquith from the Derby County Community Trust said:

“I am delighted to be able to announce such an impactful initiative. Mental well-being is very prevalent at the moment and preventative initiatives are proving to be vital across age groups. Porterbrook have been exceptionally supportive from the initial idea of the programme and afforded us the opportunity to team up with the Premier League.”

Karen Jackson from Porterbrook:

“Porterbrook is proud to be part of this initiative and hopes that it will inspire pupils and help boost their confidence at a really important and stressful time of their lives.”