From assistant headteacher to mental wellbeing educator

My name is Lucy France, and after 16 years working in education—including 8 years as an assistant headteacher and SENCO—I found myself at a crossroads. In May 2024, I was made redundant. It was a moment that felt uncertain at first, but it also gave me the opportunity to step into something I’m truly passionate about.

As a mum to two wonderful children through adoption, I am living through the emotional highs and challenges of parenting—and I’ve seen first-hand the mental health crisis that’s affecting so many children, both in the classroom and at home. I knew I wanted to be part of the solution.

That’s why I brought MiniMe Mindfulness® to Cannock Chase.

Having launched locally in September 2024, MiniMe Mindfulness® is already making a positive impact by teaching fun, inclusive, and science-backed mindfulness and mindset techniques to children from the age of 3, as well as to parents and educators. Programs are designed to build confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and wellbeing in playful, creative ways that reach all brains.

According to NHS data, 1 in 5 children and young people in the UK are likely to have a diagnosable mental health condition, and these challenges are surfacing earlier than ever before. 

MiniMe Mindfulness® addresses this need with early-intervention programs that:

• Support early emotional development through positive mindset education

• Teach self regulation responses in ways that are fun and relatable

• Teach all brains, in all ways, to help every child flourish

• Engage children through movement, creativity, storytelling, and play

• Provide practical tools for parents and teachers, promoting consistency between home and school

As a MiniMe Mindfulness® franchisee, I now run face to face sessions with local schools, nurseries, and community groups—alongside workshops for parents and training for teachers. We also have online courses and digital products which are accessible for children and adults too. I’m passionate about supporting the adults around children because when we’re calm and connected, our children flourish.

This journey has been, and continues to be, both personal and professional!

Already recognised across the UK for its innovative and accessible approach, I am excited to bring MiniMe Mindfulness® and its proven tools and energy to the Cannock Chase area—and I am now welcoming partnerships with local schools, nurseries, and family networks who are seeking to prioritise emotional wellbeing at the earliest and most important stages of life.

At MiniMe Mindfulness®, we’re not just helping children cope—we’re working to shift the culture around mental health and emotional wellbeing. Our children are struggling because, too often, the adults around them are overwhelmed and unsupported. That’s why we work with not only children, but also the parents and educators who guide them. By equipping everyone with tools to manage stress, build confidence, and foster genuine connection, we create lasting change in homes, classrooms, and communities. In a world that moves fast and demands so much, we give children the space to slow down, feel safe, and grow into strong, compassionate, and resilient individuals. Because when we care for the adults, we empower the children—and when we invest in children’s emotional wellbeing today, we’re shaping stronger, kinder, more resilient adults for tomorrow.

If you connect with what we do, understand the value of early emotional education, or want to get involved, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you're a parent, educator, or school leader, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m ready to create a wave of positive impact across Cannock Chase—and I’d be honoured to have you join me on that journey.

To find out more visit cannockchase.minimemindfulness.co.uk or email lucyfrance@minimemindfulness.co.uk