“Bolton Conference to Showcase Pioneering Mental Health Initiative for Young People
On Friday, July 11, 2025, the city of Bolton will host a conference highlighting a groundbreaking mental health program for young people in North West schools. The event, organized by children’s charity MedEquip4Kids, will take place at The Deane Lecture Theatre, Senate House, University of Greater Manchester.
The Hummingbird Project, a six-week Positive Psychology course, aims to empower young people to flourish and thrive. Developed in partnership with researchers from the University of Greater Manchester, the University of Chester, and the Open University, the program has already benefitted over 8,000 primary and secondary students in the region. Participants have reported increased wellbeing and happiness, as well as reduced signs of anxiety and depression.
The course covers a range of topics including Happiness, Kindness, Gratitude, Mindfulness, Character Strengths, Resilience, and Growth Mindsets. Each session includes interactive and engaging activities, and schools are provided with a box of resources, including books, sensory toys, and games, to reinforce the learning.
With mental health challenges at an all-time high among children and teenagers, the Hummingbird Project offers a powerful, evidence-based solution to support emotional resilience in schools. It is believed to be the only multi-component program of its kind in the UK, offered completely free to both primary and secondary schools.
The conference will be chaired by Professor Jerome Carson, a leading authority in Positive Psychology and mental health from the University of Greater Manchester. Professor Carson states:
“Rising problems in children’s mental health have been a growing concern over the past decade, especially since the pandemic. The Hummingbird Project incorporates the latest research from Positive Psychology to improve young people’s wellbeing, help them thrive, and get the most out of life. The project is a great example of Knowledge Exchange between the university and the charity MedEquip4Kids for the benefit of thousands of young people.”
The event will also be attended by the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor David Chadwick.
The conference aims to bring together local educators, psychologists, and healthcare professionals to:
– Gain insights from the staff and academic researchers behind the program
– Learn about the delivery and evaluation of the course in schools
– Discover how to bring the Hummingbird Project into more classrooms across the region
Details of the event are as follows:
Date: Friday, July 11, 2025
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Venue: The Deane Lecture Theatre, Senate House, University of Greater Manchester, Bolton BL3 5AB
Refreshments and a buffet lunch will be provided. Attendance is free, and spaces are still available. Registration is open until the day of the event at:
Hummingbird Project Conference 2025
MedEquip4Kids is a Manchester-based charity that celebrates its 40th year in 2025. The organization is dedicated to improving children’s health in the UK by funding vital medical equipment, enhancing hospital facilities, and providing mental health resources not available through the NHS.
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