A Trusted Space: Redirecting Grief to Growth was created by the nonprofit All It Takes and helps address increasing mental health challenges faced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we recognize the impacts of the pandemic on the mental health of our school communities, we know that this important work takes partnership and collaboration from steadfast partners who are dedicated to help our most vulnerable children, youth and staff,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, in a news release announcing the program. “Our collective goal is for California schools to have robust and quality SEL programming as well as the resources to provide critical support to our educators. A Trusted Space and the accompanying easy-to-use curriculum will help educators and staff — including bus drivers, teachers and administrators — feel heard, validated, and supported and will provide strategies for schools to be better equipped to support the students they serve.”

Based on research and neuroscience, A Trusted Space shares how trusted relationships are the most immediate and potent antidote to the damaging effects of stress and trauma that so many students, families teachers — and all of us — are navigating. The film features experts in trauma-informed education, equity and innovation in education. It also addresses the importance of building trusting relationships and shares more about hope and the opportunity we have ahead of us.

The film and curriculum follow another critical mental health support program launched in October, Angst: Building Resilience, which was provided to middle and high schools throughout California. Both programs are free, easy-to-use resources that can be implemented immediately with ease across schools in the state.

“Data show that depression and anxiety among children and youth has doubled globally since the start of the pandemic,” said Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California’s Surgeon General, in a news release. “And we know that the same stress that leads to negative mental health outcomes can also lead to negative physical health outcomes now and in the future. In that way, mental health is the canary in the coal mine. We must use science for prevention and early intervention. The science shows that safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments actually help to regulate our bodies’ stress response and can prevent some of the harm that ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) can create. Educators are a very, very important part of our solution.”

Registration for this free program is now available at the A Trusted Space website, www.atrustedspaceca.org.