Welcome to Hamish & Milo Wellbeing Resources!
Hamish & Milo offers a comprehensive range of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) intervention programs, training, and an innovative impact dashboard. Our mission is to provide primary-aged children with the framework, language, and content for courageous conversations about mental health and emotions, enabling them to develop emotional literacy skills and thrive in both life and learning.
Our complete wellbeing program enhances Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education by focusing on ten key emotional themes, including friendship, resilience, anxiety, diversity, strong emotions and anger, change and transition, conflict resolution, loss and bereavement, sadness, and self-esteem. These resources are designed to support children’s emotional development comprehensively.
The Story Behind Hamish & Milo: Therapeutic Pets Providing Support
Hamish & Milo was founded by Clare Williams, a primary teacher, educational psychotherapist, advisor, and trainer, and Anne Waddicor, a corporate designer, and communications expert. As friends and neighbors for over 20 years, they shared their experiences and adventures with their children. Recognising the need for greater support for children struggling with mental health, emotional development, and wellbeing, Clare and Anne set out to create a wellbeing resource.
Their inspiration came from the comfort and unconditional care provided by their pets, especially during confusing or overwhelming times. They realised the power of pets in supporting emotional well-being, and this became the heart of their work together. Thus, Hamish & Milo was born—a resource dedicated to enhancing the emotional literacy of primary-aged children, helping them feel valued, special, and cared for.
The Theoretical Context Underpinning Hamish & Milo:
The core principle of Hamish & Milo’s wellbeing program is the fundamental human need for “connection and belonging.” Our approach is rooted in the theoretical landscape of relational connection, emphasising the importance of feeling like you belong as part of a social group.
We draw from various theoretical contexts that prioritize the quality of relationships in support work and peer togetherness. Hamish & Milo is built on attachment-aware theory, early social and emotional development, and an understanding of the emotional stress experienced by many children with SEMH needs.
We believe in the importance of co-regulation, emotional safety, and emotional vocabulary to make sense of experiences and situations. These elements are crucial for developing emotional literacy skills, enabling social relationships, communication, and emotional regulation. With these foundations in place, children can enhance their emotional well-being, engage in learning, and connect with the wider world.
Our programs include creative enrichment activities designed to facilitate discussions about children’s life experiences and emotions. Each activity incorporates psychoeducation elements to help children understand their emotions, empowering them to regulate and reflect with empathetic adults, fostering their emotional well-being.
Our programs are supported by Hamish & Milo Champions—school practitioners who lead the programs. They create an emotionally safe and inclusive environment for group or individual sessions, allowing the magic of emotional growth and connection to happen.
Join us on our journey to empower children to navigate their emotional landscapes, fostering emotional intelligence and well-being.
Click Here to Join!
