St Bridget's Catholic Primary School

At St.Bridget’s Catholic Primary School, we are committed to prioritising the mental health and well-being of all our pupils. As a result of this, we have worked with the founder, Emily Gearing, and adoped the 'Rest Easy' approach across the school in order to provide a whole school mental health approach to support pupils with dealing with their emotions. All staff have received training based on the Rest Easy approach and we are working hard to embed this approach consistently across the school.

What is the REST EASY method?

• The Rest Easy method has been created as a way of preventing mental illness and promoting mental health.
• The definition of Rest Easy is that 'there's nothing to worry about as everything is taken care of'
• It is a self-help method that builds resilience, emotional intelligence, empathy and self-awareness.
• It is a proven, evidence-based methodology.
• It is a coherent, universal approach that uses existing DBT, mindfulness, positive psychology and life coaching techniques.
• It focuses on recognising emotions as they come on and having the tools to manage them until they pass.
• It encourages children to have their own awareness of their personality and create their own coping strategies that are unique to them.
• Each classroom will have its own safe space with REST Easy resources to support children in practising the techniques as part of the approach.

Why is Rest Easy needed?

• To create a culture of empathy, belonging and emotional safety
• To offer an attachment friendly approach
• To provide tools and coping strategies for managing difficult emotions.
• To increase concentration, motivation for learning and positive behaviour.
• To encourage positive attendance.
• To provide a simple framework for difficult conversations.
• To develop emotional intelligence, confidence and awareness.
• To alleviate pressure and waiting times for CAMHS.
• To reduce the impact of toxic stress and prevent mental illness.