Emotional Wellbeing ― An Introductory Handbook for Schools

This is an essential resource for educators working to support emotional wellbeing in children and young people. Written by the team behind the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) training programme, it provides practical suggestions that can be implemented straight away to make a positive difference in the life of the young person.

The second edition of this bestselling guide has been fully updated and includes a new chapter on resilience as well as additional material on recognising and dealing with anxiety and anger. The chapters give a clear overview of each topic underpinned by the latest research in educational psychology, descriptions of vulnerabilities as well as case studies and suggestions for practical activities. Topics include:

• self-esteem;
• friendship skills;
• social skills;
• therapeutic stories;
• dealing with loss and bereavement.

Designed for use with individuals, groups or whole classes, this will be vital reading for ELSA trainees as well as anyone wanting to provide the best possible support for the emotional wellbeing of the young people they work with.

Gillian Shotton works as an Educational Psychologist in Northumberland with a specialist remit for working with the children's homes and co-ordinating the ELSA programme. She is a field work tutor for the Newcastle University doctoral course in Educational Psychology.

Sheila Burton is the founder of the ELSA projects and has worked as an Area Principal Educational Psychologist in Hampshire. She is the author of the ELSA Trainers’ Manual and she is actively involved in the ELSA network.