More than just a day…
Molly Rackham | 17th January 2025
Blue Monday is often called “the most depressing day of the year.” It falls in January when the excitement of christmas is over, the weather is cold, grey and frosty, and many of us feel the pressure of exams, money, or just life in general.But here’s the truth: sadness doesn’t stick to one day. Everyone feels low at times, and that’s completely no
Read moreWork with us
Kieran Murphy | 14th January 2025
We are currently recruiting to expand our team, see below for more information, how to apply and key dates.Early Interventions LeadCalling All Change-Makers: Shape Young Lives as Our Early Interventions Lead!Are you ready to be the architect of transformation in young lives, especially at the crucial primary school level? We're on the hunt for a dy
Read moreSEND in Schools
James Gore | 10th January 2025
Hey everyone, welcome back to the Phase blog. For many of us, this has been the first full week back at work/school in 2025; I hope it's been a good one for you! This week I read an interesting BBC article about what Ofsted's chief inspector has said about SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision in UK schools. I thought it was w
Read moreNew Year; New You?
James Gore | 2nd January 2025
Happy New Year from the Phase team! We hope 2025 is full of blessings for you and your loved ones! Most of us think of New Year as a time of fresh starts, big dreams, and resolving to make positive changes. But let’s be honest - upholding those resolutions beyond February can be tough! Whether you’re a student aiming to stay organised or a parent l
Read moreEmbracing the Beauty of the Wait
Kieran Murphy | 20th December 2024
With Christmas just days away, the season of Advent is drawing to a close—but there’s still time to pause and soak in the beauty of this sacred period. It’s not just about rushing towards the big day; it’s about savouring the journey and reflecting on the deeper joys that Advent holds.Rediscovering the Purpose of AdventAt its heart, Advent is about
Read moreSleep and Success: Why Catching Zzz’s Matters
Guest Contributor | 12th December 2024
Why Sleep is Super Important for You?Did you know that sleep is like a magic power for your body and brain? It helps you stay healthy, happy, and full of energy! Sleep is one of the most essential parts of living a healthy and balanced life, yet it’s often overlooked. Just like eating nutritious food and staying active, sleep is crucial for your bo
Read moreChristmas Unwrapped
James Gore | 6th December 2024
At Phase, we’re incredibly blessed to be able to deliver Christmas Unwrapped workshops to hundreds of year 6 students around Hitchin. Now, despite what the name may suggest, no wrapping paper is harmed in the making of these workshops. Instead, we unwrap the Christmas story, figuratively speaking. As a team, we begin the workshop by sharing ou
Read moreProject Hope 2024
Kieran Murphy | 30th November 2024
Fuel the Future – Empowering Our Teenagers This DecemberDecember is here, and with it comes an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people across our community. Project Hope, our annual matched giving campaign, is back – and this year, our focus is on building something incredible for our teenagers. Every pound don
Read moreRewiring Your Brain: The Power of Neuroplasticity
Molly Rackham | 22nd November 2024
Did you know your brain is constantly changing? Every time you learn something new, practice a skill, or even think in a different way, your brain reshapes itself. This incredible ability is called neuroplasticity, and it’s the reason we’re always capable of growth and change, no matter our age. Yep, that squishy, wrinkly thing in your head i
Read moreDetached
James Gore | 15th November 2024
What is ‘Detached’?Detached is one of my favourite programmes we deliver at Phase! Every week we do Detached work during lunch break in various schools around Hitchin.The aim of Detached is to connect with young people outside the classroom, to have fun and to be a positive presence on the playground. Each Monday, we help out at the quiet area
Read moreThe science behind Inside Out 2
James Gore | 8th November 2024
If you’re looking for a film to watch this weekend, look no further than Inside Out 2. (If you haven’t seen the original Inside Out yet, start there). The Inside Out films are fun and genuinely entertaining for viewers of all ages but also informative and relatable. Inside Out tells the story of main character Riley’s life as an elementary sch
Read moreAn attitude of gratitude
Guest Contributor | 1st November 2024
What do you have to be grateful for? Seems like an odd question, right? But science has shown that practicing gratitude regularly has several well-being benefits. Whether you practice gratitude when you need a quick pick-me-up, when you can’t get yourself motivated, or when you just want to take stock of what you are grateful for, practicing gratit
Read moreAdventure Awaits
Molly Rackham | 25th October 2024
With the school holidays coming up, it's the perfect time to try something new, get outside, and enjoy a little adventure. Earlier this year, I was up in Scotland, soaking in the views and beautiful cities, when I stumbled across geocaching. I remember having fond memories of geocaching from my girl guide days. Basically, it’s like a real-life trea
Read moreBeat the Winter Blues
Kieran Murphy | 15th October 2024
How Young People Can Stay Mentally Strong as Seasons ChangeAs the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, many of us start to feel a bit out of sorts. For young people, these changes can have a bigger impact than just needing a warmer coat. Seasonal shifts can affect their mental health in surprising ways—sometimes sparking anxiety, low mood, or
Read more"Just Breathe"
Molly Rackham | 4th October 2024
We’ve all heard it: “Just breathe.” It sounds simple, maybe too simple but there's actually solid science behind why breathing exercises are so effective at calming the nervous system. Whether it’s before a big presentation, during a moment of overwhelm, or in the midst of a panic attack, focused breathing can bring us back to a place of calm.But w
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