As the first snowdrops and daffodils bloom, we can take solace in the knowledge that the first signs of Spring are finally emerging.

The days are getting longer as the winter gloom lifts and as the first rays of sunlight shine through, we take the opportunity to remember that life moves in cycles, as do our emotions.

This month we are excited to report on our successful work during Children’s Mental Health Week and our marathon fundraising efforts, with runners preparing to take part in the Brighton Marathon and 10k and the Paris Marathon.

If you need support, you can still contact someone you trust for help. You are not alone and it is OK not to be OK.

If you’re finding today difficult text MRF to 85258 to message a trained volunteer.

Raising awareness

This month, Molly Rose Foundation flew the flag for Children’s Mental Health Week by visiting six schools in six days.

Following the theme Know Yourself, Grow Yourself, we spent the week rolling out our My Bag of Happiness programme, specially designed to encourage primary school children to express their emotions. And our whistle-stop tour was not limited to the capital, with our team travelling as far afield as Guildford and Hampshire.

The training team visited Oxhey Wood Primary School and Bromet Primary School, both in Watford, Stanburn Primary School and Paiwand Saturday School in Harrow, Charterhouse School in Guildford and Testbourne Secondary School in Hampshire.

Almost 3,000 of the colourful bags were distributed during this time among the schools we visited and a further six schools which also participated. And supporters donated £1,156 directly to the initiative, which is hoped to roll out even further afield this year. Two of the schools who took part also held uniform-free days to raise funds. If you’d like to make a donation to support this initiative, please click here.

The initiative received fantastic feedback from the schools which took part. Masumah Mujaddedi from Paiwand Saturday School said: “The session was insightful and engaging, focusing on managing emotions and maintaining a positive mindset. Lisa created a welcoming and supportive environment, encouraging open discussions and meaningful participation. The interactive activity, Bag of Happiness, made the learning experience both enjoyable and impactful. Overall, it was a valuable and empowering experience for our students.”

Teachers and parents were also encouraged to print out Molly Rose Foundation-designed Know Yourself & Grow Yourself diaries for the event and beyond. These booklets, suitable for reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Key Stage 2 pupils, encourage children to record things which they are grateful for, acts of kindness they have completed, what they have learned and exercises in recognising emotions and expressing themselves.

If you’d like to use these resources in your school or with your children please feel free to download them via the links above.

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Molly Rose Foundation is preparing to roll out its Coffee for Molly event in Brighton, which will take place during the Brighton Marathon and 10K race on April 6th.

As well as proudly cheering on runners who will be raising funds for our vital work, local coffee shopswill be taking part in the initiative, which sees the placement of resources in cafes along the running routes to encourage customers to talk about mental health.

We’ve got a number of coffee shops signed up but are looking for more to take part.

It is free for coffee shops to sign up and they will be stocked with Where to Find Help cards, conversation starter menus and coffee cup sleeves, all making the public aware of Molly Rose Foundation and the importance of taking time to talk.

If you own or know of a coffee shop that would like to get involved, please email office@mollyrosefoundation.org

Fundraising 

Molly Rose Foundation sends out a huge thank you to all our supporters who are running on our behalf in the Brighton Marathon 2025 and 10K race on Sunday 6 April 2025.

We now have justone space to fill for the 10K, so if you fancy raising funds for the vital work we do, grab your running shoes and drop us a line at hello@mollyrosefoundation.org

The charity will have a big presence on the day so whether you are a runner, supporter or are just in Brighton that weekend come and find us in the Event Village, say hello and celebrate our runners’ achievements.

And we’d like to send a big thank you to London couple Diggory Slee and Honor Congreve, who will be running the Paris Marathon this year on behalf of Molly Rose Foundation. You can sponsor them here.

Education, training and self-support

Training 

Starting nextmonth, we will list the vital courses you can book with us on our revamped training page; whether it’s how to become a Youth Mental Health First Aid Champion, ways to open a crucial conversation about Suicide First Aid, our What is Mental Health two-hour workshop or our My Bag of Happiness activity for schoolchildren.

Some of the feedback we have received recently: “I found the course really valuable in helping me to be able to support the students I work with at a high school. Our instructor was also fabulous at presenting what is a sensitive subject in a way that was accessible and interesting for the group.”

“The course progressed at a good pace, with plenty to learn and apply in both personal and professional life. I believe this course should be expanded to include families, as parents need to be aware of these concepts. Mental health should be addressed at home, and educating parents could help them understand the approaches to take if they are struggling, potentially benefiting their own mental health as well.”

My Bag of Happiness 

Our success during Children’s Mental Health Week is just the start for My Bag of Happiness this year as we look to reach more schools and give valuable lessons to more children. Suitable for children aged between 7-11, the cheerful purple bags support PSHE lessons and encourage children to create and collect happy memories, enabling them to reflect upon these and gain strength when needed.

Feedback tells us this initiative is empowering for the children who take part and equips them with vital tools with which to express themselves.

If you are a teacher or parent and would like to receive one or more of these Molly Rose Foundation-designed My Bag of Happiness packs please contact us via training@mollyrosefoundation.org to submit your request, letting us know the relevant information (including your name, address, contact details, number of packs required etc). Any additional background details you can provide us with about why you’d like one or more of these packs would also be appreciated.

Molly Rose Foundation staff are also available to run workshops using the packs and will happily come into schools in the London area to do this. Our trainers are DBS checked and are used to working with children in schools. To arrange a workshop please contact us at: training@mollyrosefoundation.org

Donations directly to the My Bag of Happiness initiative can be made here.