Ms Suzanne Connolly:

The national well-being programme is a proven programme. The reason we were able to do that is because we were funded by “The Late Late Show”. It is fantastic we had that. Now we are fundraising for it. What I really like about that programme is how it engages the body, the heart and the mind. Many talking therapies do not necessarily connect children sufficiently into their bodies where things are manifested first. It also gives fifth class boys techniques and skills. Sometimes you cannot change the circumstances children are living in but you can help them think about how they can self-soothe and do creative, positive things. Ultimately, we try to do it for the parents as well, but that is why one of our recommendations is that whatever is given for children in the school context must be linked in to family support and it must also be accessible to families who are struggling. The holistic approach is key, which goes back to what Dr. Muldoon was saying, that the holistic approach and support is crucial.

Again, we were able to do the Roots of Empathy programme through fundraising. The tough thing this committee has is that the Department of Education is always reluctant to endorse any programme because of funding commitments. Attention needs to be given across the levels of need, which include prevention and early intervention to the targeted level and that, ideally, it would be holistic. Barnardos would say that, inasmuch as possible, there should be a holistic approach to children, their social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs and ensure a range of supports are provided depending on what is needed. Some children and their families will need supports throughout their lives and some will not at all. I would also stress the importance of evidence-based policies.