The Mental Health Foundation, along with Into Film, have launched a new mindfulness resource, Mindfulness Through Film. The resource explores the many benefits attached to cultivating a mindful state, outlining how film can be used to develop mindfulness skills.
Suitable across Key Stages 2 and 3, and second, third and fourth level, the activities link to PSHE curricula and are particularly suitable for young people facing changing or challenging circumstances, such as exams and transitioning from primary to secondary school.
The pack, which is free to all schools with an Into Film Club, includes teachers’ notes, activity sheets and a PowerPoint presentation with embedded film clips. Using a collection of clips from feature and youth-made films including, among others, Inside Out (U), Bridge to Terabithia (PG), Kubo and the Two Strings (PG) and The Cup (PG), the resource guides teachers and their learners through a range of mindfulness activities from raising sensory awareness, mindful colouring and walking, to recognising emotions and feelings, and making the connection between thoughts, emotions and actions using a consequence wheel. It culminates in a simple filmmaking activity to make a mindful, one-shot film.
Jenny Edwards CBE, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:
"Now more than ever we need to support young people to understand and protect their mental health. Mindfulness is one of the tools we can equip young people with to achieve this. It can help young people to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings so that instead of being overwhelmed by them, they’re better able to cope with them. We hope this resource is a practical (and fun!) introduction to mindfulness and how to embed it into everyday life."
Richard Warden, Film Lead for the Mental Health Foundation says:
"Film starts a conversation in a way that few other media can do. It encourages people to talk about issues that they may feel uncomfortable with, and evokes a response without having to push. The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2017 is Surviving or Thriving. In keeping with that, this resource uses film to help young people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, so that instead of being overwhelmed by them, they're better equipped to cope with them."