The theoretical context underpinning Hamish & Milo

The fundamental principle underpinning the entirety of the Hamish & Milo Wellbeing programme and resources is that of the vital human need for ‘connection and belonging.’

Our approach is built within the theoretical landscape of relational connection and the comfort and emotional safety in feeling you ‘belong’ as part of a social group. We know that nurturing relationships create a safe and trusting connection and this is at the heart of Hamish & Milo for children to feel happier, heard and connected.

The framework for Hamish & Milo therefore comes from a range of theoretical contexts which hold the quality of relationship at the core of support work and togetherness with peers as a social group. Hamish & Milo is based on attachment aware theory and the importance of early social and emotional development, as well as understanding the emotional stress that many children with SEMH needs experience and the impact on the developing child.

The importance of co-regulation and emotional safety, having language and emotional vocabulary to help make sense of experiences and situations is crucial in the development of emotional literacy skills to enable social relationships, communication and emotional regulation. With this in place, our emotional wellbeing is enhanced and we can engage in learning and the wider world.

Our programmes offer emotion themes that include creative enrichment activities designed to enable discussion about children’s life experiences and emotions. Each activity includes a psychoeducation element to help children understand what is happening in their bodies and minds so that they can begin to regulate and reflect with an empathic adult in a way that supports their emotional wellbeing.

The programme is supported by the Hamish & Milo Champions – the school practitioners leading the programmes – to enable emotional safety and a sense of belonging within a group or individual sessions that allows the magic to happen.

Connection

“The energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”

Brene Brown

Hamish & Milo ACEs two non-parent adults who care
Theoretical-context-underpinning-Hamish-&-Milo

Social and emotional literacy refers to the ability to recognise, understand, manage, and effectively utilise and regulate our own emotions and develop an awareness of the emotions of others. It encompasses skills such as empathy, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and effective communication and it empowers individuals to navigate social interactions with empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence.

The development of emotional literacy skills is fundamental to enabling healthy emotional and social development and is at the core of our relationships. Emotional literacy enables us to engage in a social world and equips us with the capacity to learn from, and with our peers within a group learning context.

Read more on emotional literacy and social group development.

The need to belong and the desire for interpersonal attachments is a fundamental human motivation for us to survive, grow and thrive. Our social environment, the relationships we have and our social experience of the world impacts our long-term social and emotional wellbeing. This is influenced by exposure to adversity, without significant protective factors to counteract the impact of social and emotional stress and is dependent on whether there are significant positive childhood experiences that shape a child’s life course.

Read more on social environment, adverse and positive experiences.

We are social beings and our brains grow and develop within the context of our social world. Our brains adapt and grow as a result of the experiences we have within our social environment with primary carers, siblings and wider encounters with our environments and social experiences.

Within this context the brain is continuously evaluating our internal and external environments based on our previous experience, predicting what is likely to occur, ensuring our survival and then determining the best course of action based on this knowledge.

The single best predictor of human physical health and wellbeing and longevity of this is in the number and quality of close relationships and our successful evolution is dependent on successful responses to threat and challenge within our environment and experience of the world.

Read more on adaptive and social brain.

The theory of psychosocial development as reflected in the work of Erikson and Maslow is a way of understanding how a person’s individual needs are intertwined with the needs and demands of the people around us. According to this thinking, we as human beings pass through several developmental stages throughout our lives, guided by the growth of our brains and bodies. The skills, strengths, and traits we develop at each stage, through our experiences and our thoughts, develop and build on each other and each helps us to become confident and healthy people.

Read more on human needs and development.

The importance of attachment, emotional connection and co-regulation is paramount for the implementation of Hamish & Milo. The trusted adult facilitating the programmes sets the emotional safety in how they nurture, respond and co-regulate children to feel secure, and that they matter, and are special. It is the power of this attachment that enables children to feel safe enough to engage in the group learning experience and to thrive.

Read more on attachment and emotional regulation.

Next steps

Hamish & Milo Clare Williams Discovery session

Each 30-minute Discovery Session covers the rationale, approach and framework of the Hamish & Milo wellbeing resources or watch a recorded Discovery Session now

“Emerging data shows statistically significant differences in observations about the emotional and behavioural presentation of children, pre- and post-intervention.”

Hamish & Milo SEMH Programme Samples

View samples of the session plan cards, child wellbeing profiles, parent and carer booklets and many other resources to see the range, content and quality.

If you require any assistance please email hello@hamishandmilo.org