Inspirational Talks
Empowering Young People, Teachers and Parents
Inspirational Talks to Build Resilience, Foster Self-Belief and Support Mental Wellbeing
A growing body of evidence suggests that young people, school staff and parents are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety due to rising academic expectations, social pressures and the relentless pace of modern life.
Many young people feel overwhelmed, struggling to maintain a positive outlook and self-belief. Meanwhile, educators juggle the demanding task of supporting their students' academic and emotional development and managing their own workload and wellbeing. Parents, too, grapple with balancing the challenges of everyday life and helping their children navigate the complexities of growing up, mental health and self-confidence.
I Can & I Am exists to address these pressing needs. Through the inspiring story and philosophy of our founder, James Shone, we offer thought-provoking and uplifting presentations designed to empower everyone involved in a young person’s education. James' inspirational talks focus on empowering young people to rise above the challenges they face both in and outside the classroom.
The Growing Mental Health Crisis in Schools
The Need for a Balanced Approach in Supporting Young People, Teachers and Parents
The National Education Union’s (NEU) State of Education 2023 Report highlights a concerning rise in mental health issues among young people, with 88% of teachers observing an increase in mental health problems in recent years. Chronic anxiety, stress, absenteeism and social difficulties are prevalent among students, with many struggling to cope with the pressures of school life.
Book a Talk from James Shone
Empower young people with confidence and self-belief through an inspirational presentation from James Shone. Help students unlock their potential, overcome challenges, and embrace their future with optimism. Book a session today and make a lasting impact!
Contact UsHow the 'I Can & I Am Approach' Transforms Schools
Equipping Schools with Practical Tools
In response to the growing mental health crisis in schools, I Can & I Am offers proactive and inspiring solutions. We deliver our message through two key approaches:
Presentations:
Our founder, James Shone’s inspiring talks draw on his personal story of overcoming adversity – helping young people build self-belief and resilience through his warm, relatable speaking style.
Buses:
Our charity’s converted double-decker buses visit schools across the South of England, providing workshops on self-belief and practical activities like pizza-making, creating an inclusive, supportive environment where students feel valued beyond academic performance.
Our charity’s mission is to ensure that every young person feels valued and capable, equipping them with the tools to overcome setbacks and thrive both academically and personally.
A Dangerous Cycle of Decline
When young people are unable to cope with academic and social challenges, their mental health can decline rapidly. This not only affects their performance in school but also their emotional wellbeing, leaving them feeling isolated, frustrated and unsure of themselves.
This lack of self-belief can severely impact their ability to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally, which nationwide is creating a generation of young people who struggle with resilience, confidence and the skills to navigate the challenges of adulthood.
The Growing Strain on School Staff
Teachers are also feeling the strain as increased workloads, lack of resources and understaffing pose significant barriers to addressing student mental health effectively. In many UK state schools, access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is lacking, with a third of teachers reporting no access at all. Even when available, support is often slow and insufficient.
This leaves staff struggling with the demands of academic responsibilities and nurturing their students’ emotional growth. As expectations rise and resources remain limited, educators often face frustration, and in some cases, leading to burnout and a loss of passion and purpose. This perpetuates a negative cycle of stress and disengagement that can have a profound effect on both teachers and young people.
Parental Struggles
The situation is further exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis, which have intensified mental health challenges both in schools and at home. Financial instability has added pressure on families, making it even harder for parents to provide the emotional support their children need.
A study by researchers from the University of Liverpool, King’s College London and the University of Newcastle highlights that children exposed to persistent financial hardship and poor caregiver mental health were 40% more likely to experience socioemotional and mental health problems by age 17. The research also revealed that children in these families were 4.2 times more likely to develop behavioural issues.
What Are The Consequences?
The result is a school environment where young people, teachers and parents are all struggling. Schools are often the first to notice these problems, as they witness the impact of emotional distress on academic performance and behaviour, making them crucial spaces for early intervention and support.
However, the reality is that the growing emphasis on academic performance leaves little space for the emotional needs of students. Without the practical tools to build confidence and self-worth and without opening doors to new opportunities many young people can feel lost, leading to widespread disillusionment.
Beyond the Gatsby Benchmarks
While the Gatsby Benchmarks provide a valuable framework for guiding schools in developing students' employability and career readiness, schools must balance this with the emotional development of each young person.
Employers today are looking for well-rounded individuals, not only with technical skills but also emotional intelligence, teamwork skills, resilience and problem-solving abilities. Therefore, it is essential to integrate these career-focused goals with the emotional support students need to develop healthy self-belief and confidence. By doing so, schools can ensure that students are not only prepared for the workplace but are also equipped to navigate life’s broader challenges
Creating Lasting Change in Schools
Working Together to Equip Young People with the Tools They Need to Thrive
Imagine a school environment where every student feels empowered to pursue their passions with confidence. Picture teachers motivated and supported, guiding their pupils through their formative years and parents equipped with the tools to nurture their children’s emotional and academic growth.
Join the growing number of schools benefiting from our charity's transformative approach. Over the years, we have helped thousands of young people realise their potential and grow in confidence.
Most of our work is carried out in primary, secondary and SEN schools throughout the South of England and all our services within state schools are offered free of charge. We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people and are open to exploring opportunities to expand our reach and support others in need.
Let’s work together to build a confident, resilient and compassionate future generation.
