A KELTY businesswoman has been inspired to help create a brighter future for children through her innovative mental health support businesses after seeing a gap in support available in education.

Michelle Mair has founded Peaceful Pandas, a unique programme which teaches young children how to practise mindfulness and positive wellbeing strategies through story books, online activities and a school or home resource kit.

Peaceful Pandas runs alongside sister company ‘The Child Whisperer’, a platform which is providing online and in-person services including mental health support packages for older children, parents and schools.

It offers learning courses, training sessions, resources and in-person therapy based on coaching, counselling, nurture and mindfulness techniques.

Michelle, who is based in Kelty, has spent more than 16 years at the forefront of education as a teacher and education consultant, and was awarded ‘Scottish Teacher of the Year’ in 2010.

But, over the course of her career, she saw a significant gap in the provision of mental health support within education.

She knew her skills, expertise and innovation could be of major benefit to children, schools and families and so started her businesses in 2016.

Michelle said: “I created my businesses to support and improve the mental health of children and the adults who care for them.

"In what has been a very difficult time for us all, nurturing our mental health couldn’t be more important.

"Children, school staff and families have faced real challenge during the pandemic. We are here to help.

“Peaceful Pandas’ is a one-stop shop for mindfulness and wellbeing providing everything needed for wellbeing to become part of the curriculum and part of family life for young children – giving them the headstart they need for positive mental health.

"Through ‘The Child Whisperer’, we’re also able to give older children the support they really need and offer in-person therapy too.

“I’m blown away by how well the businesses have been received and over the moon to see so many children benefitting from our programmes, with our packages now being used in Fife, Scotland, the UK, Scandinavia and even further afield!

"For me, helping as many children as we can is what it’s all about.”

Michelle had a helping hand to get her businesses started thanks to discretionary funding support through Business Gateway Fife business adviser, Allison McKenzie.

She added: “I am very grateful for Allison’s advice and support during a very challenging time for businesses.

"The expert help I received as a result has been outstanding, allowing me not only to sustain the businesses but to develop and grow too.”

If you are thinking of starting a business or looking to grow or sustain an existing business, contact Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 or visit www.businessgatewayfife.com