The latest episode of Thrive's Connected podcast is about Spark UK, an organisation that was set up in 2020 by four teenagers in order to lead the conversation around young people's mental health. Based in North Devon, the teenagers combine their academic studies with creating content for Spark UK, which is then shared with schools across the country in the form of resources, newsletters, blogs and podcasts.  

We're joined by Bridie Downing and Conor Warren, both aged 16, who talk about how frustration regarding the lack of education for young people around mental health led them to set up Spark UK to create relevant and authentic resources for primary and secondary schools. 

Since its inception, Spark UK has really taken off and it now supplies lesson plans and other resources to 300 schools across the UK. Its founders have been in the national news several times and the celebrity advent calendar they created last year featured YouTubers, Radio 1 DJs as well as the likes of Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry talking about their own mental health and how they maintain it. 

"This whole experience has been eye-opening and really fun," said Bridie. 

As well as chatting about Spark UK, the podcast also features Conor's first-hand experiences of the Thrive Approach®, when he was at primary school. 

"I loved doing Thrive® when I was younger - it helped me a lot when I was going through stuff. It was there to support me and it made me who I am today," he said. 

To sign up for Spark UK's free resources, log onto www.sparkuk.co.uk/sign-up 

To listen to the podcast, click here

Over to you

Reduced anxiety and behavioural incidents. Calmer classrooms filled with engaged leaners. Improved relationships with parents and carers. These are just some of the outcomes reported by settings embedding Thrive’s whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. Are you ready to join them? Click here to get started.

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