The Hummingbird Project

We recently visited St Philip’s CE Primary School in Atherton to bring the Hummingbird Project to Year 5 pupils.

St Philip’s was a particularly fitting school to visit, as its values focus strongly on kindness and compassion, which align closely with the aims of the six-week Hummingbird Project.

During the visit, Project Manager Ian Platt led one Year 5 class, while sessional facilitator Lucy Platt worked with another. Ian’s class explored their own character strengths using the Hummingbird set of strength cards. Understanding these strengths can help children feel good about themselves and draw on their inner resources when life feels difficult.

The pupils also took part in the Hula Hoop challenge, where they had to hold hands and pass a hoop around the circle without letting go. This inspired a discussion about perseverance and teamwork, before the children filled in their “resilient glow worms” in their workbooks with ideas about how to bounce back when things get tough.

In Lucy’s class, pupils were taking part in mindfulness meditation and thinking hopefully about the future, writing down some of the things they would like to do and achieve.

It was wonderful to see pupils engaging so warmly with the activities, supporting one another and reflecting on the skills they can use in everyday life.

We’re proud to share some recent feedback from teachers at Brandwood Primary School in Bolton, following delivery of the Hummingbird Project by Abieyuwa Sonia.

What really stands out is not just that pupils enjoy the sessions, but that they are using what they’ve learned in real life:

“Some of the children have been using this to cope with SATs.”

“They now have a tool kit we can refer to throughout this important year for them.”

Teachers also highlighted how pupils are developing practical skills to support their wellbeing:

“Strategies to calm… opportunity to reflect.”
“Breathing techniques, teamwork, positive thoughts… what it means to be happy.”

This is exactly what the Hummingbird Project is designed to do: equip children with simple, evidence-based tools they can carry with them beyond the classroom.

Demand for the programme continues to grow as schools recognise the value of early, preventative support for children’s mental health. We are hugely grateful to all our current funders and supporters who make this work possible.

We are also keen to connect with organisations and partners who share our commitment to improving children’s wellbeing. There are exciting opportunities to work together to expand the reach of the Hummingbird Project and support even more young people in Bolton and beyond.

If you’d like to find out more, we’d love to hear from you.

And... he's finished! Our runner Dr Edward Banham-Hall completed the TCS London Marathon 2026 at 13.28.08, in a time of 03.31.47. What an amazing achievement - congratulations Ed!

Ed has raised over £2,000 in sponsorship to support young people's mental health in schools through the Hummingbird Project. We are so grateful for his fantastic support.

Great news - our London Marathon runner Dr Edward Banham-Hall has already beaten his fundraising target of £1,200, raising a fantastic £1,445 to support children's mental health, which is a really impressive achievement in such a short time. Thanks so much to everyone who has sponsored Ed. There's still a month to go before the run, so please do consider supporting him if you haven't already:

Edward's page I was offered a London Marathon place late after another runner unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury. With the race just around the corner on 26 April, I have decided to step in and take on the