A MESSAGE FROM ÓRLAITH AND GEMMA

After 6 amazing years of FRIENDS training across the UK and Ireland, The Psychology Tree will no longer be delivering training from September 2021. We would like to thank FRIENDS Resilience and all of our fantastic facilitators for their work supporting young people.

We have made arrangements for all trained facilitators to continue their licensed FRIENDS delivery for the duration of their existing licence.

If you would like to access new FRIENDS training or have any questions about accessing the online FRIENDS Hub, please contact licensing@friendsresilience.org

If you would like to contact any of our trainers from The Psychology Tree, please contact enquiries@thepsychologytree.com

ABOUT THE FRIENDS PROGRAMMES

FRIENDS is resilience intervention proven to reduce anxiety and depression and promote positive mental health for children and young people. Based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), FRIENDS has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as the only evidence based programme effective in reducing anxiety as a universal and targeted intervention (WHO, 2004). FRIENDS has also been recommended by the UK Department of Education (Mental Health & Behaviour in Schools: Departmental advice for school staff, 2016). Visit our research page for more information on how FRIENDS works.

The FRIENDS intervention, originally developed in Australia by Professor Paula Barrett, Webster and Turner (2000) is a school-based, preventative programme. The name of the programme is an acronym for central components of the intervention

F = Feelings

R = Remember to relax. Have quiet time.

I = I can do it! I can try my best!

E = Explore solutions and coping step plans.

N = Now reward yourself! You’ve done your best!

D = Don’t forget to practise!

S = Smile! Stay calm, and talk to your support  networks!


There are different versions of the FRIENDS programme for children and young people of different ages as well as the Adult Resilience Programme.

 

Ages 4-7 years

Ages 4-7 years

Age 7-13 years

Age 7-13 years

Age 11-16 years

Age 11-16 years

HOW CAN FRIENDS HELP?

The programme is a 10-12 week resilience intervention that can be delivered to whole classes, or as a targeted intervention for children with anxiety disorders or those identified as at risk. After running the intervention, the outcomes you can expect for your young people include:

  • significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression for up to 80% of participants.

  • developing coping and resilience strategies to help deal with stress and worries.

  • developing emotional and social skills.

  • supporting positive engagement with learning.

Click here to find out more about the research that supports the use of FRIENDS.