A unique initiative to improve children's mental health has been launched in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland.

Award-winning theatre, drama, and creative learning charity Mortal Fools, will work with the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA)to offer its specially developed creative intervention programme, MELVA.

The programme will be offered free of charge to 50 schools across the area for the 2023/24 period, providing support at a time when at least one in six children, aged between seven-16, are likely to have a diagnosable mental health condition.

This is an average of five children per classroom.

MELVA, aimed at key stage two children (ages seven-11), their teachers and families, was created as a response to the children’s mental health crisis.

Initially a live performance package, it has evolved into a digital resource, accessible across the UK, supporting youngsters with their mental wellbeing.

Covering a series of animations, a feature film divided into episodes and an interactive game, MELVA incorporates lesson plans and classroom resources.

Following the journey of Melva Mapletree, a young girl learning to manage her ‘worrits’ or worries, the resource is a valuable support mechanism.

Schools participating in the NTCA scheme will be accorded benefits including unique school logins to the MELVA online portal, extension activities and assemblies, and evaluation reports from October 2023 until August 2024.

Eligible schools are invited to apply for the scheme and upon successful application, they can take part at a discounted renewal rate for the following year.

For schools undertaking the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools Award, the completion of the MELVA programme can be used for portfolio evidence.

The CEO of Mortal Fools, Kiz Crosbie, said: "We are delighted to be working with NTCA.

"Both Mortal Fools and NTCA are committed to finding innovative ways to tackle the national mental health crisis."

NTCA Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Karen Kilgour, added: “School disruption due to Covid-19 has had significant impact on pupil’s academic achievement and is set to have a long tail of mental health repercussions. Evidence tells us that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected.

“At the North of Tyne Combined Authority, we are delighted to be working in partnership with award winning theatre, drama and creative learning charity, Mortal Fools to deliver MELVA.

This creative approach to mental health and wellbeing, will support our region's children to develop resilience pathways and positive emotional responses and relationships.”

If you are interested in learning more about the programme, visit www.melva.org.uk.