Many young people in the UK are experiencing low wellbeing. While this is a crisis in and of itself, it is also reflected in the growing concern around Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Research highlights how emotional distress and mental health issues add to the complex relationship between low wellbeing, social isolation, and poor school engagement. According to OECD data, while 25% of 15-year-olds report low wellbeing, this number is more than 34% amongst those that admit to skipping classes and more than 42% for those who do not feel a sense of belonging at school.

Overall absence rates in schools have doubled since pre-pandemic levels and this has a dramatic potential impact on the long-term prospects of children and young people. The Power2 Rediscover programme aims to reverse this trend by building resilience, life skills, and confidence in young people. The programme provides tailored one-to-one support, focusing on wellbeing, communication, and school engagement. Understanding the impact of interventions such as Power2 Rediscover could help inform how society can effectively untangle the complex web of low wellbeing in young people.

During this webinar we discussed:

• The complex relationship between low wellbeing, poor belonging and school avoidance
• The difference the Power2 Rediscover programme makes and  the economic impact and value for money of such tailored interventions
• The potential lessons for policymakers and educators on supporting organisations that are best equipped to address the needs of children and young people struggling with low wellbeing effectively.

The session was be chaired by Tera Allas, Chair of Trustees at Pro Bono Economics

Panel speakers:

• Julian Daniel, Programme Lead, North West, Power2
• Julie Randles, CEO, Power2
• Maliha Rahanaz, Economist, Pro Bono Economics
• Prof Neil Humphrey, Professor of Psychology of Education, University of Manchester

Booking for this event has now closed.