MELVA’s impact for
children and adults
MELVA is facilitated through creative and practical activities, with an emphasis on learning by doing.
The resources and evaluation tools are rooted in ratified and recognised wellbeing research, such as the PERMATM framework and the NHS 5 steps to wellbeing.
The Melva Package
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
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 infoMelva'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 infoThe 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.
The game 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 infoNot 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.