Motus Learning provides mental health programs for schools throughout Ireland and the UK, focusing on the transition from primary to secondary school. Research shows that there is a rise in mental health issues across this transition. To counteract this, Motus worked alongside clinical psychologists and primary school teachers to design the 7 steps to emotional intelligence; A program that provides sixth class students with the tools to better transition into secondary school. After three years of development and research, the program is proven to improve emotional intelligence and well-being. With the introduction of Covid-19, the Motus social emotional learning program is more vital now than ever before.

In this webinar, managing director of Motus Learning, Christopher Shum, will provide evidence-based information on the following topics:

• How to manage difficult situations during the transition through cognitive behavioural therapy.
• How to help children make better decisions through neuroscience.
• The links between mindfulness and anxiety.
• How children can manage different emotions through different emotion regulation strategies.
• Sleep education.

Speaker: Christopher Shum

Christopher Shum has an undergraduate BA Psychology and Sociology from the University of Limerick and an MSc Human Cognitive Neuropsychology from the University of Edinburgh. Past work experience includes assistant psychologist posts at an NHS Anger Management and Emotional Control (AMEC) program and an NHS Mood, Anxiety and Personality (MAP) pathway. He has also completed placements at the Sri Lanka Institute of Mental Health and an adolescent drug rehabilitation centre.

In 2018, Christopher worked alongside Clinical Psychologists, University College Cork and the London Institute of Education to set up Motus Learning; an organisation that provides social emotional learning programs to help children transition into secondary school. Since the creation of Motus Learning, Christopher acted as a research co-investigator on a service evaluation, has spoken on the BBC and has facilitated workshops for over 200 schools throughout Ireland and the UK.

Finally, Christopher is a current PhD student at the University of Limerick investigating the effectiveness of the Motus program across secondary school transition.