"People often ask me, Do we really need mental health workshops in primary schools?”
After running a recent Backpacks for Life session, I can tell you without a doubt yes, we do.
Recently I walked into the workshop, a student quietly shared that a family member looking after them had just lost custody of them.
These aren't just stories they're real children, facing real emotional challenges most adults would struggle to process.
This is exactly why It’s Okay Not To Be Very Okay exists. No one is immune to mental health struggles not even our youngest.
These children are already navigating trauma, uncertainty, and deep emotional stress. And they need tools, language, and support to cope.
The Backpacks for Life workshop helps children understand that it’s okay to struggle, and more importantly, that they’re not alone.
We give them age-appropriate strategies to build emotional resilience and show them that asking for help is a strength.
I believe every primary school needs this.
These workshops don’t just plant seeds they offer lifelines.
Because it really is okay not to be very okay and everyone needs a mental Heath toolkit
- Georgia Co-founder of It’s Okay not to be okay