Zen bus began visiting schools in East London today, offering pupils and staff access to practical mental health support outside the classroom.
Why was it created?
The scheme uses a former US yellow school bus as a calm, contained space where short wellbeing and mindfulness sessions take place during the school day.
Its founder Corrine Gardner, former life coach, said that “the project was built to support people’s mental health” through guided meditation and deep breathing exercises.
Through the support of the Delancey Real Estate Partners, the Zen project are able to offer free drop-in sessions around the community.
Why use a bus?
Gardner said that the decision to use a mobile bus allows the project to travel “directly to schools without replying on existing space”. She said that having an American school bus “creates intrigue so more people will get on the bus and more comfortable to open up”.
Who does the scheme benefit most?
The scheme places particular emphasis on supporting teachers’ wellbeing as well as children’s. Gardner said staff mental health has a direct impact on pupils but teachers often lack time for mental wellbeing. The sessions focus on simple nervous system regulation techniques that can be used in real time.
“The calmer the teacher, the more it benefits the child,” she said.
Gardner said that the idea for the project grew out of her own experience of a mental breakdown. She said she hopes initiatives like the Zen Bus will encourage work places to become more forward-thinking, arguing that wellbeing and learning should not stop at school.
What to look forward to?
The Zen bus is expected to continue visiting schools across east London in the coming weeks.