School activity residential provider PGL has launched a programme which gives pupils the tools and techniques to improve their wellbeing and manage their mental health away from electronic devices.
The residential activity programme, THRIVE!, has been developed to provide children with a digital detox space, combining traditional PGL outdoor challenges with offline wellbeing activities.
The programme includes yoga, mindfulness, meditation and many more activities to help children build better connections, improve their resilience and learn to relax away from electronic devices.
Anthony Jones, chief executive officer at PGL Beyond, said: “We know from speaking to primary and secondary school teachers that too much time spent on electronic devices, managing anxiety, and pressures from influencers on social media are all having an impact on children’s mental health.
“Whilst schools are providing a huge amount of welfare support for pupils to address wellbeing issues, teachers say there’s a growing need for children to build resilience and develop techniques to cope with online pressures. The THRIVE! Programme helps create time and space outside the classroom to give children tools for resilience and wellbeing.”
Outdoor spaces are used to address children’s health and wellbeing needs and have been developed with independent experts who understand the pressures young people face.
Dr Angharad Rudkin, child clinical psychologist, added: “Children need to be equipped with the tools to manage their worries, from physical exercise to expressing how they feel and listening to their friends.
“We also know that time spent outdoors plays a crucial role in alleviating the growing anxieties that children are experiencing.
“This programme combines the benefits of both approaches: proven health and wellbeing techniques alongside outdoor activities that are structured to grow self-esteem and boost confidence.
“Helping children disconnect from screens and engage in experiences that foster relaxation and emotional wellbeing sets them up for happiness and success both in and out of the classroom.”
THRIVE! is PGL’s fifth programme within the REACH framework, which was first launched in March 2023. The REACH framework has been designed in partnership with teachers to complement the school curriculum with hands-on learning outside of the classroom.
The REACH programmes:
- GROW - Adventures providing secondary students with breakthroughs to boost character development.
- MASTER - Bushcraft activities to help year 5 pupils solve real-life problems and prepare for challenges.
- PIONEER - Guide pupils through their first PGL experience, supporting them to build confidence.
- UNITE - Designed for secondary students to build relationships through adventures.
- THRIVE - Wellbeing boosting outdoor activities, providing children with a digital detox space.
For more information about the PGL REACH programmes, visit: schoolsandgroups.pgl.co.uk/reach
