This week marks Children’s Mental Health Week, and here at Portfolio, we are excited to shine a spotlight on our innovative 5 Ways Happy Days brand. In collaboration with Bolton Council, our initiative is grounded in the NHS 5 Ways to Wellbeing. The core idea is to introduce the 5 Ways Happy Days to foster resilience in primary school children, nurturing their mental wellbeing.

This program extends its benefits not only to the young people but also to schools, teachers, families, and the local community. By cultivating a more resilient school population, we anticipate a reduction in the demand for local health services. This shift ensures that those in greatest need can access the necessary support services promptly.

There are 5 ways to wellbeing, we call them 5 Ways Happy Days and they are simple things you can do each day to help you feel happier and more positive.

If we can all take a little bit of time to hit these ‘5-a-day’ then we know this can help us to feel good both mentally and physically.

We use the acronym CLANG:

Connect

Building connections with others, whether familiar faces or new acquaintances, can bring happiness to both parties. From making new friends to helping others, simple acts like saying hello or engaging with family during mealtimes can create positive connections.

Learn

Learning is not confined to the classroom; it extends to exploring new places, trying different foods, playing instruments, or writing stories. Embracing various experiences contributes to personal growth and happiness.

Active

Staying active is vital for mental and physical wellbeing. Whether playing games with friends, trying new sports, or engaging in outdoor activities like gardening or dancing, staying active positively influences our mood and health.

Notice

Encouraging mindfulness, noticing involves observing our surroundings, reflecting on our emotions, and appreciating the subtle changes in our environment. From drawing pictures or listening to nature, to playing I Spy, this practice enhances our awareness.

Give

Generosity, in various forms, has a profound impact on our wellbeing. From sharing with others and offering help at home or school to simple acts like smiling, listening, or giving someone a hug, gives a sense of connectedness and happiness.

Currently undergoing a ‘test and learn’ phase in three primary schools in Bolton, the 5 Ways Happy Days initiative aims to be implemented across all schools in the area. Each participating child receives a dedicated 5 Ways Happy Days book tailored to their year group, providing a valuable resource for understanding and progress.

To reinforce these practices visually, wall and floor graphics, along with classroom word cloud boards, serve as reminders within schools. Additionally, a user-friendly web app has been developed by Portfolio, enabling seamless integration across devices without the need for additional software or hardware. This app facilitates daily logging, note-taking, class management, and the recognition of achievements, ensuring that each class actively promotes the FIVE WAYS, HAPPY DAYS campaign.