AN innovative scheme to help primary school children learn how to deal with the ups and downs of life has been launched by Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust.

Say, Tell, Find aims to provide a positive way for children to manage situations and events that can affect their mental health, ranging from everyday issues such as friendships, to more serious problems such as bullying, or bereavement.

Ultimately, this will lead to improved confidence in themselves and in their ability to deal with life.

The Health Promotion Service from Middlesbrough PCT has been funded by the Children's Fund to pilot the scheme over the next two years with two primary school communities in Middlesbrough - Whinney Banks and St Edwards.

Tim Gristwood, senior health promotion specialist, said: "The NSPCC reports that 450,000 children are bullied at school and we know this kind of abusive behaviour is not limited to the school environment.

"The Children's Fund has provided us with a really positive opportunity to begin the process of preventing more children experiencing these kind of mental health problems in school, at home, and in the community.

"We have developed a resource pack with local education and youth organisations that details common scenarios children face, followed by suggestions for classroom activities like group discussion.

"Through the scenarios children can explore issues around facing feelings, managing time, decision making and consequences, assertiveness, personal space, dealing with conflict and how to recognise and deal with stress."