A 12-month ‘Inside Out’ wellbeing programme, aimed at children aged eight to 11 years old, is being funded through the East Suffolk Community Partnership.
The project, which began in January 2026, combines yoga, mindfulness, nature and art to help children regulate their emotions, build self-awareness and express themselves creatively.
Primary school children in Saxmundham, Kelsale, Benhall and Snape have been benefiting from the programme, which is delivered in five-week blocks.
Local non-profit art organisation, The Art Station, applied for funding from the Community Partnership for the project, after they identified its need through a combination of local insight, national data, and first-hand experience working in primary school settings.
Children develop practical tools to support their mental and emotional wellbeing during the programme, learning calming techniques, yoga practice and benefiting from art and storytelling activities.
Sessions are delivered by local yoga teacher Jo King, known by the community as Yoga Jo, providing an engaging, screen-free experience that helps children to feel calmer and more confident.
The project has had a measurable impact on children’s behaviour, with a primary school in Benhall seeing significant improvement in classroom behaviour, concentration and emotional regulation from the children who participated in the programme.
Cllr Katie Graham, Chair of the Aldeburgh, Leiston, Saxmundham and surrounding villages Community Partnership, said:
“Children and young people’s mental health has seen a significant decline since the Covid-19 pandemic, so we are pleased to see projects like this working towards its improvement.
“The project aligns strongly with the priorities of our Community Partnership, supporting children’s mental and physical health and addressing social isolation in today's digital world.
“Feedback from parents and children shows the positive impact this programme is already having, and we sincerely hope it continues to create a happy and calm environment at each of the participating schools.”
Max Clements, Community Engagement Manager at The Art Station, said:
“Inside Out has got off to a fantastic start, having successfully completed several sessions across the participating schools. Speaking to parents and teachers, we can really see the positive impact this is having on the children and the overall school environment.
“These sessions have become something for the children to look forward to, and we are glad to provide a calming space for them to regulate their emotions.”
This project supports the East Suffolk Community Partnership’s priority to improve children and young people’s mental wellbeing, with a focus on early intervention, reducing isolation, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
