Mike Ogden Mentoring
Bridging the Gap in Support
Whether a parent or organisation, we offer personalised support on a one-to-one basis, as well as for small or large groups of children, families, parents, and community groups. We can create customised packages to meet your needs, which include Parenting, Relax Kids, and Wellbeing Workshops.
Feel free to use the enquiry form to reach out and discuss yours, your child's, or your groups needs, or check the schedule below for available classes and workshops.
Bridging the Gap in Support
Empowering Your Childs Journey
He/him, White British.
Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children and young people. I’ve watched them grow and thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and morally. I firmly believe that a child’s social development and well-being are key to unlocking their full
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with students facing a wide range of challenges, from bullying and anxiety to family issues and sexuality. But I’ve always believed that building strong relationships with my students is the foundation of my approach. I set high expectations, but I’m also compassionate, consistent, and respectful. I think being genuine and authentic helps students trust me and respond positively. I’m especially dedicated to working with vulnerable students, including those with ACEs, and helping them achieve their goals through one-on-one mentoring and emotional support.
More recently, I’ve attained a coaching certificate from Relax Kids and I’m working towards a HND in Counselling at UHI Moray.
How we Work
At Mike Ogden Mentoring, we understand that children and young people frequently face challenges with their emotions and emotional regulation, which can impact their friendships, family dynamics and academic achievements. We aim to help your child evolve their social skills, develop positive behaviours, and form healthy relationships as a result of our interactions.
A Safe Space for Children to Be Heard
Children need to be heard and feel valued.
Mike can also work from his home in Cawdor, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment where children can feel at ease. From this comforting space, he offers a listening ear, shares stories, and provides advice when needed. He also utilises a variety of resources that he has successfully implemented over the years to support and guide children effectively.
A Safe Space for Emotional Exploration
Children and young people in our care may express themselves through unwanted behaviour or anger, using these as a form of communication. As an objective party, we provide a safe space for your child to explore their emotions without fear of causing further distress.
Navigating Emotions in a Modern, Tech-Driven World
In today's world of technology and social media, the younger generation often struggles to navigate their emotions and relationships. The recent pandemic has further complicated this, making it even harder for some to find their way in the world.
Empowering the Next Generation
For generations, self-esteem and confidence have been ongoing challenges for many. Our mission is to help young individuals discover their inner strength and self-belief. By acknowledging their positive qualities and validating their emotions, we aim to provide the tools they need to continue on an upward spiral of self-belief and confidence. Through tailored support and guidance, we are committed to empowering the next generation to face challenges with resilience and embrace their potential with confidence.
Supporting Children Through Life's Transitions
Transitions like moving to a new house, changing schools or year groups, and joining new clubs can be difficult for children, often leading to emotional dysregulation. Not everyone feels comfortable with change, and it can be a challenging experience for many. We are here to help your child navigate these transitions with greater ease. Tailored support and guidance, can assist them in coping with the emotions that arise from these changes, helping them adapt and thrive in their new environments.
Relax Kids with Mike
Relax Kids Classes -for calm confident Kids!
A Relax Kids class includes warm up and movement, fun drama-based games, relaxing mindfulness games, stretching and breathing exercises, massage, affirmations and visualisations. We take children from a high energy to a low energy and encourage them to relax while developing their creativity and imagination. Sessions support children’s mental and emotional well-being and give them tools to manage stress and be more resilient, calm and confident.
Children can go on a different adventure each week from pirates to outer space to wizards.
Our classes are fun, lively, creative and most importantly - relaxing. Children will go away refreshed. Each week children will receive passports, handouts, stickers and a certificate at the end. Children really feel they are part of a club!
All ages covered
Relax 1:1, All ages
Storybook, 3-5yrs
Seasons, 3-5yrs
I'm a Star, 3-5yrs
Little Star, 3-5 yrs
Nursery Rhymes, 3-5yrs
Magical Christmas, 3-5yrs
Special Days, 3-5yrs
My World, 3-5yrs
Monsters, 6-9yrs
Jurassic Adventures, 6-9yrs
Genius Genie, 6-9yrs
Extraordinary Earth Adventures, 6-9yrs
Great Outdoors 6-9yrs
Happiness Adventures, 6-9yrs
Joyful Jungle, 6-9yrs
Magical Adventures, (6 – 9 years old)
Winter Wonderland Adventures, 6-9yrs
Super Summer Adventures, 6-9yrs
Mythical Adventures, 6-9yrs
Magical Adventures 6-9yrs
Chill Skills Level 1, 10-12yrs
Chill Skills Level 2, 13-15 yrs
Chill Skills, 16-18 yrs
Be Happy/ Be Brilliant/Be Calm/Be Confident/Be a Star, Mindfulness Craft Workshop, All ages
Chill and Chat, Parent Workshops
Just Relax, Adult Classes
Relax Seniors, Adults
Q & A's - Relax Kids
Here are some common questions & answers.
To find out more about Relax Kids please visit relax kids.com
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR MY CHILD?
develops body awareness
• decreases physical tension
• helps release endorphins
• brings energy to whole system
• helps relax muscles
• promotes general good health
• calms the nervous system
• promotes deeper sleep
• improves circulation
• stills and calms the mind
• sharpens concentration
• promotes positive thinking
• decreases stress and mental tension
• develops relaxation
• lowers stress levels
• helps memory
• develops self confidence and self esteem
• improves emotional health and literacy
develops imagination and creativity
MY CHILD SUFFERS FROM ADHD. WILL RELAX KIDS HELP HIM?
Although there has not been any research into the benefit of Relax Kids for ADHD, many children that suffer from ADHD have attended and shown remarkable improvement.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE CLASS?
We take the children through a range of exercises including dance and movement, stretching, breathing, affirmations and visualisations.
CAN I LEAVE MY CHILD?
It is advisable that parents leave their children as children are able to relax without being self conscious
DO YOU HAVE ANY TESTIMONIALS?
“Ingenious” - Times Chronicle
“The perfect way to introduce children to the art of relaxation - my children were enchanted and bedtime has been transformed” - Rebecca Abrams, Family Advice Expert, Daily Telegraph
“It really does make a difference to lives” - Beverley Crooks, OFSTED Inspector
“What a Fantastic idea! An opportunity for children to just be...” - Pearl Jordan, Mother
“After just one session at Relax Kids, there was a noticeable change in my children’s behaviour” - Richard Collings, BBC
“My child’s memory and vocabulary has improved no end” - Parent, London
“His imagination and vocabulary have improved tremendously” - Mum
“Eleanor is relaxed at night and refreshed in the morning – thank-you it’s changed out lives!” - Miss Quinn, London
“I love lying down and feeling peaceful all by myself.” - Eleanor, 6
“I like daydreaming and going up to the rainbow and seeing magical lands” - Meshach, 7
Schools, Clubs, Organisations
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Pastoral Management Experience: Experienced Pastoral Manager with over 25 years of experience supporting children and young people’s development.
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Behaviour and Attendance Improvement: Successfully led the improvement of behaviour and attendance across Years 7 to 11, reducing low-level behaviour incidents by 33% and high-level incidents by 45%.
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Collaboration and Support: Collaborates with parents, Governors, Educational Psychologists, CAMHS, School Nurses, and Social Workers to provide appropriate support for students and their families.
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Behaviour Management Approach: Focuses on positive reinforcement to build self-confidence, self-worth, and a sense of purpose.
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Professional Development: Gained knowledge and self-awareness through courses, therapy, and counselling studies.
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Counselling Approach: Uses a Person-Centred approach to help clients understand their emotions and behaviours, fostering self-compassion and goal achievement.
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Bridging the Communication Gap for Children, Families, and Schools
Children and young people often express themselves through their behaviour, struggling to regulate and articulate their feelings and needs. Families, though well-intentioned, can also face challenges in communicating effectively, sometimes in ways that may not align with societal expectations. Meanwhile, schools are under pressure to achieve high grades and maintain near-perfect attendance, which can conflict with the immediate survival needs and social norms of the families and children they serve. Working with high-priority pupils is often time-consuming and challenging, especially when services are stretched, and thresholds for support are high. My goal is to bridge the gap between all parties involved with the child or young person, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
The Power of Informal Conversations
Often, it's the informal chats with children and young people that make the most impact—the spontaneous conversations in the office or while walking through the yard. I can build on this by meeting young people in a comfortable setting, whether it’s for a hot chocolate or a walk with Mac. With my background in education, I understand that interventions often need to be measured. We can work together to ensure our approach is both meaningful and effective.
Get in Touch
Relax Kids with Mike
Here is some additional information on Relax Kids, and the impact it can have in schools.
Relax Kids aims to give children access to a variety of simple, yet effective techniques for relaxation, mindfulness and stress management that are developed and delivered in a fun and creative way.
We believe that relaxation, mindfulness and a positive outlook are the keys to good mental health, self-esteem and motional resilience.
Our mission is to give children and young people the tools they need to help them manage stress and anxiety and to be more resourceful when facing the challenges of daily life.
We support parents, teachers and those working with children and young people through our quality resources and training.
We want children and young people to feel happier, more positive and empowered with skills for life!
Marneta Viegas
Founder
June 2014
Success of Relax Kids in Schools
Learning Outcomes:
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Increase concentration, focus and attention
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Help pupils identify and manage emotions
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Improve learning and school performance
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Build sustainable strategies to manage stress and anxiety
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Reduce negative thinking and behaviour
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Aid self-control, emotions and conflict resolution
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Equip pupils with simple behaviour management strategies.
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Improve listening skills, social and communication skills
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Reduce anxiety, bullying and peer pressure
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Improve positive thinking, confidence and self-esteem
AWARD WINNING *
Hertfordshire
*The Relax Kids system was used in a project run by CAMHS. It was awarded the 2011 Nursing Standards Mental Health Award.
The project has been run in schools in North Herts.
“As a mental health professional, I know the difference a relaxed mind can make towards improved concentration and behaviour.” - Deborah Bone Emotional and Mental Health Advisor CAMHS.
3 YEAR PILOT
Knowsley
Sylvester Primary School in Knowsley reduced their fixed term exclusions from 19 to zero in 3 years after using the Relax Kids programme.
Relax Kids was used as a whole school approach.
There were short daily relaxation sessions throughout the day, weekly Relax Kids lasses and lunchtime classes, after school Relax Kids clubs, Daily class affirmations and special Relax Kids event during Health Week and Friendship Week. Two relaxation rooms were created, and every class had a Pupils’ overall level of emotional literacy rose and the number of incidents has fallen, and parents and teachers have reported healthier and happier children.
Using the NFER Emotional Literacy Assessment and Intervention tool, Sylvester Primary School was able to
directly measure the impact of their approach to the social and emotional aspects of learning
since introducing Relax Kids.
After Relax Kids 3-year pilot, 91% of pupils in the school scored average, above average or well above average on
their overall level of emotional literacy on the NFER scale.
The school also measured a dramatic improvement in pupil behaviour. The number of serious behaviour incidents,
including aggressive or violent behaviour, or serious disrespect halved in the first year, halved again the following
year and continued to fall in the final year of the pilot. Incidents of repetitive low-level disruptive behaviour also
fell by 20%.
Ofsted gave the school an ‘Outstanding’ for emotional well-being, personal development and pastoral
care.
The Knowsley Education Authority were so impressed with the results, the Relax Kids Programme has been
introduced to all fifty-seven schools in the Borough!
DURHAM
In a project in Durham 163 pupils' people aged 3-15 years have taken part in Relax Kids in 15 schools.
At the start of the projects, 96% of participants scored low on their relaxation levels or high on hyperactivity.
Approximately 85% of participants reported they felt calmer and more relaxed.
98% of participants requested more sessions.
School staff reported positive changes such as children increased confidence in quieter children.
“There was a lovely atmosphere in the room, it felt calm and safe. One of the pupils is very lively, talkative
and fidgety; he was engaged and relaxed throughout. I will definitely use the programme again as
I was very impressed with the results.” - Teacher
Over 150 teachers in Durham use Relax Kids in their school.
“Overall, the Relax Kids project has been a great success with 98% of participants requesting more sessions.
This is just the beginning!” - Wendy Minhinnett.
NORTHAMPTON
Over 250 teachers in Northamptonshire use Relax Kids in the classroom.
Teachers have noticed a big difference in the ability of their pupils to focus on their work and the children are much calmer after listening to a CD or doing other relaxation exercises.
In one Year 3 class the teacher was surprised at the speed at which the programme started to impact on class morale.
The link Educational Psychologist noticed a difference in the class after 6 weeks of using Relax Kids, especially for one child with possible mental health and social problems.
“As a Local Authority teacher for mental health I wholeheartedly recommend Relax Kids to all schools I work with. Individual children and whole classes love to use the exercises and resources, which provide them with a great sense of emotional wellbeing. Relax Kids is wonderful for teachers, teaching assistants and learning mentors, especially used alongside SEAL materials, and also for some of the more troubled youngsters.”"
- John Fardon - Mental Health Teacher
WESTERN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PILOT
Northern Ireland
A Relax Kids project funded by the Public Agency Mental Health and Suicide Prevention was run in ten schools across the Western Trust area of Northern Ireland. 265 children participated including 3 special schools totally 33 pupils with special needs. The schools were a mix of urban and rural. Weekly sessions were run over 6 weeks. Parents reported their child's self-esteem, self- confidence and mood were raised after using Relax Kids.
They also noted a difference in behaviour, sleeping habits and attention span at the weekends. Teachers recognised the importance of "quiet time" and were able to incorporate this into their classroom which heeled them feel less stressed. Special needs students showed most outstanding results. Teachers noted that concentration levels improved.
The relax kids' facilitators also noticed that pupils a weekly improvement in how the children participated in each session. Some children who weren’t able to participate at the start due to either confidence issues or special needs, by end were able to fully participate.
As the programme developed the children’s concentration and listening skills vastly improved as did their ability to become calm and peaceful at the end, in fact the amount of time they were able to relax was doubled by the end from one song to two.
“Relax kids has enabled the children to develop their positive thinking and given them the tools to manage their feelings and behaviour. The children have developed their life skills in a fun way and the positive contribution it has made to their overall emotional intelligence and wellbeing is evident.” - Principal, Omagh County PS
Relax Kids Ltd have provided all the necessary letters, information and promotional materials for parents and children, including service agreements to use between Mike Ogden Mentoring and your school/organisation.
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