The Greenhouse
Support Planning Toolkit

Child-Led Mental Wellbeing Tool

Mental wellbeing means feeling safe, understood, capable, connected and hopeful. The Greenhouse Toolkit helps children aged 4-12 develop these foundations by giving them a framework to tell their own story and shape their own support.

How Mental Wellbeing Grows

Just like a garden needs the right conditions to flourish, children's mental wellbeing grows when we understand what they need, provide the right support, and help them develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and hope.

Seeds & Soil

Before we can help children, we must understand them. Using the Potting Station Mat, children identify what seeds are already in their garden (strengths) and what soil their garden needs to be healthy (environmental needs).

What's Included:

Potting Station Mat (A3) - Shows 7 seed types representing different strengths and 4 soil types representing different environmental needs

Worksheet Section - Space for children to draw or write their seeds and soil

Facilitator Guidance - How to help children recognize strengths and articulate needs

Weather and Tools

When children can name how they're feeling (weather) and identify what helps (tools), they develop emotional regulation and self-efficacy. Using the Weather Cards and Greenhouse Mat, children choose strategies that work for THEM.

What's Included:

8 Weather State Cards (A5) - Sunny & Happy, Partly Cloudy & OK, Cloudy & Worried, Rainy & Sad, Stormy & Angry, Windy & Excited, Rainbow & Hopeful, Foggy & Confused

Greenhouse Mat (A3) - Shows a variety of tools and supports

Worksheet Section - Weather check-in and toolkit wheelbarrow

Facilitator Guidance - How to link feelings to coping strategies

Goals & Support Network

Children need to envision what feeling better looks like (flourish goal) and know who can help them get there (support network). This builds hope, autonomy, and connection - the foundations of mental wellbeing.