A headteacher at a primary school that took part in the North East Combined Authority-funded MELVA programme explained:

​“MELVA has been an amazing resource. The training and support for staff has been great.

​“The online resources are fantastic, and the children engage so well with them. It really supports children to reflect and think about others as well as learning about their own mental health and wellbeing.”

Cllr Tracey Dixon, North East CA portfolio holder for Education, Inclusion and Skills and Leader of South Tyneside Council, said:

"Addressing the rising social, emotional and mental health needs in North East schools is a key priority for our Education Improvement programme.

“Our investment in the MELVA programme provides support which equips students with resilience and coping skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

“MELVA creates an environment that prioritises emotional well-being and fosters a positive and inclusive atmosphere that benefits all students, regardless of their identified social, emotional and mental health needs. The feedback from schools, Trusts and local authority school improvement teams taking part has been very positive.”

Kiz Crosbie, Artistic Director and CEO of Mortal Fools, commented “For some time now, the statutory systems designed to support children with their mental health have been overwhelmed by the growing demand.

“With unbearably long waiting lists, worsening statistics and no solutions in sight, we urgently need new ways to support our children’s mental health. MELVA is our contribution – proven to be effective - and the tremendous support from the North East Combined Authority demonstrates that they also take the crisis seriously and recognise that new approaches are urgently required.

Together we are getting MELVA into the lives of more children than we ever thought possible and I am excited to find ways to replicate this success across the wider North and beyond.”

Photo of Scott Wilson at the Sounding Board Live youth theatre show. Photo Credit: Von Fox Promotions

Mortal Fools Lead Practitioner & Brainstorm Director Scott Wilson said:

​“It has been such a pleasure to work with our Ensemble Young Company to produce our version of Brainstorm. 

​“In the midst of this mental health crisis, there is a growing need to support tweens and teens to understand what is going on in their ever-changing brains; this is a theatre show that does exactly that. The show explores the fun and challenging things that teenagers encounter.
 
“As the Director, I'm incredibly proud that Brainstorm offers audiences a window into the complex world of being a teenager in 2025 and together, we will find answers in the chaos!"

Photo of Zoe Lamming at a Mortal Fools Company Development Day. Photo Credit: Von Fox Promotions

Mortal Fools Lead Practitioner Zoe Lamming added:

“Our Ensemble Young Company have worked so hard this year. There’s something really special when you hit on something in a devising process that everyone is really passionate about - and we’ve definitely hit that with Brainstorm!
 
“We’ve been delving into some of the conflicts young people face with adults, the anxieties they struggle with, and the ways our cast’s brains are different to each other’s through the lens of lived experience of neurodiversity, mental health and growing up in the North East.”

“The Brainstorm audience can expect a show that is fun, chaos, imagination, more chaos. Folks should come see it because it’s absolutely bloody amazing. We’ve worked so hard on it!”

“Brainstorm is thought-provoking; it will make audiences realise there is more to being a teenager than the stereotypes!” 

“The show is funny, intimate and informative. The audience will learn more about the teenage experience whilst laughing along with us!”

Kiz Crosbie, Mortal Fools Artistic Director & CEO:  
“I am chuffed to bits to have Ellie joining our team as our first Executive Director. She joins Mortal Fools at an exciting juncture for the organisation, and brings skills, expertise and experience that will be invaluable through the next stages of our development. I can’t wait to get started working alongside her.”  

Richard Wise, Mortal Fools’ Board Chair and Partner at Ryder Architecture:  
“We hope Ellie’s appointment will set us in good stead to have an even greater impact and reach in the communities we serve in our next chapter as a charity. We look forward to her joining our empowered, passionate, lively and creative company.”    

Ellie Turner, Incoming Mortal Fools Executive Director:  
“I’m thrilled to be taking up this role as Executive Director at Mortal Fools. I’m passionate about the power of creative learning and the incredible impact it can have on young people. Alongside this talented team, I look forward to fostering a future of co-creation—where ideas, voices, and talents unite to build something truly special. Here’s to shaping a future where creativity thrives, young people are inspired, and fresh ideas lead the way!"