1 Apples Friends building on the success of

1 Apple’s Friends – building on the success of Zippy’s Friends

2 Mental illness: a growing global problem • All mental illness: 13% of global disease • Depression: 4. 3% of global disease • 120 million people suffer from depression • 2 people commit suicide every minute • One in five children and adolescents have mental health problems Sources: WHO, World Bank, American Psychological Association

3 Global spending on mental health is minimal • 1% of all health spending is on mental health • 1% of mental health spending is on mental health promotion

4 Mental health promotion and prevention of mental illness is very cost effective For each £ 1 spent, saving is at least £ 84 Source: Dept of Health, London: Mental health promotion and mental illness prevention: The economic case (2011)

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8 Evaluation of Zippy’s Friends ‘significantly improved the emotional literacy and coping skills of the children, reduced their hyperactivity levels and led to improved relationships in the classroom. ’ (Clarke & Barry, National University of Ireland, 2010) Zippy’s Friends improved children’s coping skills, reduces bullying in the classroom, increases academic skills and improved the climate of the classroom. (Holen et al, 2012)

9 Zippy’s Friends helps children adapt to primary school ‘Participation in Zippy’s Friends is related to better adaptation to the transition from kindergarten to first grade. ’ (Monkevicienė, Mishara & Dufour, 2006)

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12 Apple’s Friends - content 6 modules: Feelings Communication Friendship Solving problems Changes Moving Forward

13 Apple’s Friends - structure 2 introductory sessions, then 4 sessions per module In each module, 3 activity sessions and one unfinished story Similar to Zippy’s Friends, but children contribute more Can be used flexibly CD and DVD

14 Teacher feedback on sessions: 95% ran successfully 98% achieved aims 91% rated ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ In 97% of sessions, ‘all’ or ‘the majority’ of children joined in

15 Teacher comments: ‘Initially I liked it, now I love it’ ‘Children are really pleased to be doing Zippy things again’ Children related well to stories, especially on change, family break-up, friendship issues

16 Good mental health for children – for life