The Practical Well-being Programme: Activities and Exercises

This well-being programme has been used successfully in many schools, children's homes, special needs colleges and with adults in family centres and businesses. Development of the programme came out of work in Liverpool supporting families of children with severe emotional and behavioural difficulties. It has been refined over 15+ years of practice into an adaptable, holistic personal development programme for any age or ability.

This book introduces readers to the underlying principles and approaches associated with a holistic approach to well-being in educational and other social contexts. It was originally a specialised 'within schools' programme of therapeutic support for pupils experiencing social, behavioural and /or emotional difficulties, and is based on the concept of 'holism' in its fullest sense. It utilises both traditional and complementary approaches in support of the whole person - mind, emotions, body and spirit, in the context of their whole life, incorporating support for the individual, the family, school staff within the environment and where applicable, the wider community.

Each chapter consists of two main parts:

1. Information and background
2. Activities that may be used by the teacher as well as in the classroom.

The exercises at the end of each chapter are developmental in nature and divided into:

• Reflective Journal: encourages reflective practises and the development of emotional and spiritual intelligence by recording feeling as well as thoughts and actions.
• Wordsmith: encourages the development of interest in words, playing with words and defining their terms, interpreting meaning and investigating their source, etc.
• Activities: knowledge tree - using the internet to develop a knowledge tree and allow imagination to develop.
• Activities: for the classroom - fun ideas that reflect the key points of each chapter.
• Things to do - ideas to develop outside the classroom, places to go, etc.

The book also includes guided visualisation , a way of learning through the use of 'altered states' and relaxation exercises. These include a series of guided visualisations which include physical, emotional, intellectual and creative practices.

"There are many who aim to set out to do holistic work, but Penny Moon and A Quiet Place have actually achieved the connection and taken holistic principles into the mainstream of society in a way that is accessible to all. Their work in schools is just astounding as they reach the children most in need and make a real difference to their lives by understanding the various modalities they require - mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. Crucially, their results have been scientifically and academically evaluated and show consistent and significant improvements in the lives of children and also in adults. The Practical Well-being Programme outlines the philosophies behind one of the most innovative and effective schemes in the U.K. and I recommend it is read widely by anybody interested in truly making a difference in health and wellbeing."
- Dr Manjir Samanta-Laughton, MBBS, Dip Bio-energy, author of Punk Science and The Genius Groove.

"Penny is rightly highly regarded for her successes in a career working to help children with their personal development. At last she has put her experience into a book which is as excellent for a family helping it's children to become well adjusted and happy people as it is for professionals searching for a clear, considered and practical reference."
- Annie Bennett, ex-Headteacher, Knotty Ash School, Liverpool

"Penny has been developing her quite amazing and effective techniques for many years and it is about time that she shared them with a much larger audience. This book increases the understanding of her unique approach to improving the lives of those around her and hence should develop and enhance the well being many more people if they choose to follow the guidance in this book."
- Mike Wills, Financial Director of Olsen House School & Chair of Governors

"Any literature written by Penny Moon should not be missed. This gifted lady has an amazing, creative mind and her book is the result of many years of experience and Considered Thought."
- Leslie Kentfield, Psychotherapist & Wushu Federation

"A unique and beautiful book for seekers, teachers, parents, counsellors and social workers alike. Penny has distilled her years of experience into a relaxed and friendly manual that approaches well-being on many levels. There are pictures, exercises, activities, YouTube links, relaxation techniques and prompts for personal reflection. This book can be used as an aid to personal development, as something you can do to help your own child with learning difficulties of a cognitive or psychological kind, for counselling practice with children and young people, to create a calmer and more learning-forward classroom and many other applications. Penny takes us through the elements that make up A Quiet Place and its work whilst constantly providing ways in which those elements can be used by the reader, whatever their circumstances. This is a jewel of a book that you will return to again and again both for its insights and for its gentle reassurance that you can create change with peace and ease."
- Sarah Lowes, Teacher & Psychotherapist, Liverpool