Schools recognised for their commitment to wellbeing
Schools across the Northern Trust area have been recognised for their commitment to improving pupils’ wellbeing.
A total of 180 educational settings, including nursery, primary, post-primary, EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School), special schools and colleges, are now accredited as ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing Schools’ in recognition of the work they have undertaken to promote the ‘Take 5’ initiative within their communities.
Congratulating all those involved, Lindsay Shaw from the Northern Trust’s Health and Wellbeing team, said: “This is our sixth year leading the initiative within the health and wellbeing team and we are delighted to see its growth. Each of the 180 schools have showed innovation and enthusiasm in bringing the model to life. The five steps, which encourage us to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give, are part of an evidence-based public health message aimed at improving wellbeing.
“Feedback from our schools has been very encouraging, and our celebration event was a chance to reflect on the positive impact this work is having on the wellbeing of school staff, children and young people across our area.”
At the event, Lydia McNeill from Macosquin Primary School spoke about their ideas and initiatives, generated by both pupils and staff, and the important role this has played in creating a supportive learning environment.
Bronagh McGreevy from St Louis Grammar School in Ballymena shared their journey which focused on the importance of staff wellbeing and embracing the Take 5 message as a framework.
Fiona McDowell and Carrie Starkey from Northern Regional College shared how Take 5 can be used to promote wellbeing in a college setting, and how student ambassadors, roadshows and campaigns were used to enhance engagement.
“Maurice Meehan, the Public Health Agency’s Strategic Lead for Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement (Starting Well), who closed the event, said: “It is inspiring to see 180 schools from across the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area embracing the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing and making wellbeing a visible and valued part of everyday school life.
“Through the creativity, enthusiasm and commitment of pupils, staff and wider school communities, the Take 5 message is being brought to life in meaningful ways that help build resilience, strengthen connections and support positive mental health.
“The Public Health Agency is proud to fund and support this initiative, which continues to demonstrate the important role schools play in promoting emotional wellbeing and creating environments where children and young people can thrive. Congratulations to all of the accredited schools on their achievements and for their ongoing commitment to nurturing wellbeing across their communities.”
Notes to Editors
Based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing developed by the New Economics Foundation, the simple and effective messages which form Five Steps to Wellbeing are grounded in solid evidence and draw on a wealth of psychological and economic literature from inter-disciplinary work. Evidence indicates that individuals who practice all ‘5 steps’ who have the highest level of wellbeing.
The Take 5 schools model originated from a Community Planning Working Group, chaired by the PHA, where partners from voluntary, community and statutory agencies came together to look at what can be done collectively to support the wellbeing of our young people. Co-produced with local schools, young people and parents the model was launched in March 2020. This is the sixth year that schools have been able to come together, reconnect and celebrate their achievements.
25th June 2026
