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  • ‘Healthy Happy Minds’ programme extended

    Date published: 25 March 2022

    Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen has announced a further £1.82 million investment in the Healthy Happy Minds programme.

     ‘Healthy Happy Minds’ programme extended

    The £5 million pilot was launched in November 2021 to support therapeutic and counselling services in primary schools. The scheme will now be extended until the end of the 2021/22 academic year.

    Michelle McIlveen said:

    “I am really pleased to confirm that the Healthy Happy Minds pilot is being extended until June 2022 with further funding of £1.82 million being provided.

    “I am aware of how valuable this programme is to schools and, most importantly, the very positive impact it has had on the emotional health and well-being of our youngest pupils.

    “All primary schools, including special schools and EOTAS with a primary school cohort will therefore be receiving additional allocations for April – June 2022 to secure therapeutic and counselling services for their children."

    The Healthy Happy Minds pilot will be subject to an independent evaluation to determine the appropriateness of these interventions for primary schools going forward.

    Notes to editors:

    1. Follow us on Twitter @Education_NI
    2. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk.
    3. The Executive Information Service operates an out-of-hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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