How Melva works
The power of
storytelling
In the Melva programme, children go on a shared journey with Melva Mapletree, as she learns how to recognise, understand and manage her worrits.
By learning through Melva’s adventure – and the characters she meets along the way – children are given a vehicle to talk about, explore and learn openly about mental wellbeing, in a way that is accessible, non-exposing and practical.

Explore Scratchicle Town
NEW FOR 2023/24
This new programme is designed to give young people in Key Stage 2 a basic introduction to the NHS 5 ways to wellbeing.
Learning is facilitated through short animations featuring different characters who live in Melva’s home town – Scratchicle Town – each representing different elements of the 5 key steps, followed by practical group and individual activities.
More info coming soon
Melva's Mountain Adventure
Delve deeper into the topics of worries, anxiety, and self-management techniques through this digital theatre show.
In role as Mountain Rescue Trainees, children meet Melva Mapletree and help her on her adventure to overcome her worrits and find her Grandpa. The story is split into 5 chapters and spread across 8 lessons with wraparound activities which help children discuss what they’ve watched, apply it to their own lives, and learn techniques for self-management of their own worrits.
More info
The Quest for Barnabas Boggle
In this choose-your-own-adventure style game, children take on the role of Melva’s ‘Niggling Voice’, tasked with making the right choices to help find her missing best friend, Barnabas.
This Melva adventure follows on from the Melva’s Mountain Adventure story, with the emphasis shifting to exploring relationships and supporting others, whilst still looking out for yourself.
More info
Not just fun and
games…
Melva is fun, creative, and incredibly engaging but, most importantly, it is rooted in legitimate mental health research and it’s proven to work.
The themes explored directly link to the current relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) curriculum, and the programme tackles real-life issues in a fun and accessible way.

About the project & its creators
Melva was originally created in 2017 by writer, Danielle Burn, as a children’s Christmas show.
The positive response from audiences was overwhelming, and feedback showed that watching the play helped families talk more openly about mental wellbeing.
In 2019, the play was developed into a robust intervention offer for schools, with new wraparound activities and a deeper embedding of Mental Health First Aid themes and strategies.


Melva is a
great option for
families too!
As well as being a great resource for schools, the Melva online programme is also available for families, individuals and community groups to use at home or in their setting. You can:
- Buy a family license for Melva Mapletree and the Quest for Barnabas Boggle
- Watch the full-length Melva feature film at a cinema, theatre or community venue near you.
