Kops N Kids ‘My Hidden Chimp’ mental health workshop success

Published: 10 March 2022

During February half term, children aged 8-13 in Runcorn took part in the latest Kops N Kids workshop, focusing on their mental health. The project was funded by Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer’s Police Innovation Fund and was run in collaboration between Cheshire Police and Halton Borough Council.

The Police Innovation Fund enables officers, staff and volunteers from Cheshire Constabulary to apply for funding from the Commissioner to develop and launch new projects which will have a positive impact on policing.

During February half-term, PC Ian Hampson, from Runcorn Local Policing Unit helped to lead the ‘My Hidden Chimp’ workshops, to help benefit young people from the local community.

The Chimp Model introduced the simplified neuroscience of the brain using fun and engaging activities which challenged, stimulated and provided valuable learning opportunities for children who took part.

The topics covered were:

• The brain - helping children understand its function and celebrate their unique brain
• Taking responsibility – highlighting young people’s responsibility for their own actions. Exploring the concept of consequences and making amends
• Managing – introducing the toolbox - exploring what their Chimps need to be in a good place and recognising when they are not
• Managing – using the toolbox – providing helpful strategies which students can use to apply the skills they have learnt and develop management resources to use in the classroom and at home.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said:

“When I launched the Police Innovation Fund, I challenged officers, staff and volunteers to come up with ideas that would help tackle crime and make Cheshire a safer place for us all to live and work.

“I applaud the work Cheshire Police do under the Kops N Kids banner, and have seen on numerous occasions first-hand the positive effect the sessions have on children and young people in the community.

“There have been lots of media reports about the impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had on mental health, especially that of young people. This project equipped young people with the knowledge of identifying and discussing any issues they had and help them to learn coping strategies to prevent them from being overwhelmed.

“It is hoped that the new positive thinking reduces the amount of anti-social behaviour in the area, by educating young people on taking responsibility for their actions.

“In my Police and Crime Plan I talk about preventing and tackling crime. Providing activities like this for children and young people to pour their energy into is worthwhile and has a positive impact on the local community.”

PC Ian Hampson, Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said:

“I am very thankful for the backing of the Commissioner with the My Hidden Chimp programme, in partnership with Brookvale Recreation Centre and The Chimp Management.

“I hope the children take something from the sessions, their emotional wellbeing is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health helps them develop the resilience to cope with day to day life and growing up.

“These sessions will give them coping mechanisms and give them a different way to look at their lives, especially after the last two difficult years.”

Following the completion of the course, a parent of one of the young people got in touch with PC Hampson to explain the positive impact activities including the My Hidden Chimp course, and his support, had on her child.

She wrote:

“I am writing to you with so much gratitude to thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for the support my child has received from yourself during the My Hidden Chimp course.

“My child has been bullied at school and I noticed how this has affected him, he had become less confident and withdrawn. I’ve been worried for my child, who seemed to be becoming more and more isolated. However, since completing the My Hidden Chimp Course and taking part in football, it’s safe to say Monday nights are our favourite night of the week.

“As a parent it has been lovely to see my child’s confidence grow and his isolation reduce as he made friends outside of the school environment. Naturally, both myself and my child were anxious on day one of the course, due to the bullying taking place in a school environment and the course having a classroom setting. However, your reassuring presence put us both at ease, and I must thank you for that.

“This has been a great experience for my child. His confidence and friendships continue to grow, and I would encourage any parent whose child needs a little extra support to take advantage of the activities on offer.”

Find out more about the Commissioner’s Police Innovation Fund here.