I have followed Kelly on social media for a while and have been inspired by her commitment to leading wellbeing at her school and in her trust. Last week I had the privilege of hearing her speak and I was blown away. She is so passionate, so committed and so inspiring in the vision she has for creating healthy schools. The provision she has co-created is really impressive and models a whole school approach, a whole child approach and a whole family approach. I am desperate to go and visit and experience it for myself. Her values and her integrity are reflected in the collaborations she has developed with her whole community.

NCB is proud to have awarded the first Optimus Education Wellbeing Award for Schools to Lessness Heath Primary School which, under the expert guidance of Kelly Hannaghan and the leadership of head teacher Kate O’Connor transformed itself into a nurturing environment with pupil and staff’s wellbeing at its heart. Kelly has shown the power of loving leadership in the way she cares for all the people around her and for herself. Pupils in her school have learned the importance of core values like bravery, respect and responsibility. They are encouraged to express feelings and moods in a constructive and reflective way. They learn self-management techniques and support each other by electing wellbeing ambassadors in every class. Voices of pupils are central to the wellbeing strategy. Kelly lives and breathes these values herself. Her approach to the school and its community is inspiring.

Kelly is a true champion of wellbeing in education. Kelly has written practical guidance materials on working with parents, which have been shared with the Optimus network via our Knowledge Centre. Kelly is a regular blogger, drawing on her perspective as a wellbeing leader in school, sharing insights with hundreds more readers. She has also spoken at Optimus Education conferences, where delegates have responded to her confident, warm, relatable style, and readiness to share her experience. 
Kelly takes every opportunity to support other practitioners on their wellbeing journey and is a great relationship and network builder. In this way she is building capacity within the system to promote and support the wellbeing of children, young people, families and staff in schools across the country.

The work that Kelly supported me with in a large three form primary school which was in difficulty, was transformational. We put wellbeing and emotional health at the centre of all decision making and the results were life changing for the school community, especially the parents, children and the staff.
All stakeholders are now experts in early identification and confident in making the positive changes for themselves to thrive and flourish.

Kelly Hannaghan is a wellbeing professional of the highest calibre. She specialises in sensible practical steps that schools, pupils and staff can adopt to improve their mental health and overall performance.
At The Primary First Trust, she has designed and implemented bespoke programmes that have had real, tangible results in our community and rightly attracted nationwide attention for their innovation and effectiveness. She is warm, inspirational and a joy to work with.

Kelly Hannaghan is a force of nature! I've never known anyone more fiercely committed to the wellbeing of children, families, school communities and staff. She is knowledgeable, passionate and skilled wellbeing practitioner.

Kelly Hannaghan’s knowledge, professional understanding and support for Wellbeing and Mental Health in schools is a testament to her incredible dedication in supporting pupils, staff and parents to ensure they are emotionally safe and secure. I continue to be impressed by her approachable manner both online and offline as she can make anyone feel safe and well with her supportive nature.