Pupils complete empathy programme

Pupils from Balnamore Primary School, Ballymoney, St Patrick's Primary School, Rasharkin, Straidbilly Primary School, Liscolman and Ballytober Primary School, Bushmills have taken part in a programme shown to reduce levels of aggression amongst schoolchildren.
Amy Donaghy and baby Saoirse who took part in the Roots of Empathy Programme with Tracy White from Balnamore Primary School, Ballymoney. inbm26-16sAmy Donaghy and baby Saoirse who took part in the Roots of Empathy Programme with Tracy White from Balnamore Primary School, Ballymoney. inbm26-16s
Amy Donaghy and baby Saoirse who took part in the Roots of Empathy Programme with Tracy White from Balnamore Primary School, Ballymoney. inbm26-16s

The innovative scheme involves bringing a baby and parent into a classroom once a month throughout the school year giving students the opportunity to track the infant’s milestones. They are encouraged to observe the close relationship between the baby and parent. Through the baby, the children learn to identify and reflect on their own feelings as well as the feelings of others. This helps pupils to become more socially and emotionally aware and more likely to challenge cruelty and injustice.

Emma McElhone, Roots of Empathy Programme Co-ordinator with the Northern Trust commented: “The programme is designed to help equip pupils with the skills required to build healthy relationships and carry these skills into adulthood. Recently, a celebration event was held by the Northern Trust to thank the families involved for sharing the very precious first year of their baby’s development and to acknowledge the incredible contribution they have made to the lives of the students, as well as the schools.

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Lorraine McFerran, Laura McMullan with baby Finn and Noel McCann, St Patrick's Primary School, Rasharkin. inbm26-16sLorraine McFerran, Laura McMullan with baby Finn and Noel McCann, St Patrick's Primary School, Rasharkin. inbm26-16s
Lorraine McFerran, Laura McMullan with baby Finn and Noel McCann, St Patrick's Primary School, Rasharkin. inbm26-16s
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“We were also delighted to award three of our Instructors for 5 year’s commitment to the Roots of Empathy Programme. Overall, the celebration event helped to honour how these programmes continue to contribute to more positive parenting and caring communities for all.”

The internationally recognised Roots of Empathy Programme was implemented by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust in September 2011. This programme targets primary schools and is co-ordinated and led by the Northern Trust’s Health and Wellbeing Team and is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

To find out more about Roots of Empathy please visit www.rootsofempathy.org or contact the Northern Trust’s Health and Wellbeing Team on 028 2563 6600.