Worry Busters OMG

What are Worry Busters-Supporting children to understand and manage anxiety?

Worry Busters is a seven-session, small group intervention programme designed to help children understand and manage feelings of anxiety. It provides practical tools, emotional literacy skills, and relaxation strategies through creative, interactive activities. Originally developed by East Sussex Educational Psychology Service, it is used in Norfolk by Schools and Communities (S&C) staff to support emotional wellbeing and early mental health needs.

How does it work?

Worry Busters is delivered in small groups by trained S&C practitioners in school settings. Each weekly session builds on the last, using discussion, storytelling, games, and creative activities to explore:

• Recognising emotions
• Understanding the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
• Noticing body signals
• Challenging unhelpful thinking
• Practising positive self-talk
• Identifying personal support networks
• Developing emotional "toolboxes" to manage future worries

What are the principles?

The programme is underpinned by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches and promotes:

• Emotional literacy
• Self-awareness and reflection
• Early identification of mental health difficulties
• Empowerment through self-help tools
• Peer connection and shared learning

What are the benefits?

• Children learn to identify and articulate feelings and worries
• They gain practical coping strategies and build resilience
• Peer discussion normalises anxiety and reduces stigma
• Staff are better equipped to support low-level emotional needs
• Schools can embed emotional wellbeing as part of a whole-school approach
• Families can be engaged in follow-up activities and conversations

How can this intervention be used?

Worry Busters can be offered as part of early help in schools where low-level anxiety is impacting attendance, relationships, or learning. It complements EHAP and Family Support work and can be built into individual support plans. Tools from the programme can also be used one-to-one or adapted for use in universal PSHE sessions.

Worry Busters is ideal for:

• Children experiencing low to moderate anxiety
• Pupils at risk of school avoidance
• Those struggling to articulate feelings
• Children with social communication needs
• Targeted support following bereavement, separation, or transitions

How schools can support emotional wellbeing:

• Identify children who may be struggling with worry or anxiety
• Offer targeted support like Worry Busters through the Community Team
• Embed emotional regulation strategies into the curriculum
• Use visuals and toolboxes in classrooms to reinforce learning
• Promote a culture of openness around feelings and self-care
• Work with families to sustain emotional support at home

How families can support at home:

• Talk openly about feelings and worries
• Encourage healthy coping tools (e.g., breathing, journalling, exercise)
• Use visual aids like emotion scales and worry thermometers
• Practise relaxation or positive thinking techniques together
• Build strong support networks with trusted adults and peers

What information/support is available in Norfolk?

• Speak with your school's Community Team Manager or Early Help Consultant
• Contact the Norfolk Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) via the school
• Just One Norfolk - Emotional Health
• Family Hubs and Early Childhood and Family Service (ECFS): 0300 126 1000

How to make a referral:

Speak with your School and Community Team Manager or Early Help Consultant

• Contact the SEND and Inclusion Line 0333 313 7165
• Raise the topic at your Team Around the School (TAS) meeting to discuss suitability and next steps