Our Programme: Life Skills for Proactive Mental Health

Evidence‑based CBT and DBT skills for proactive mental health

The Decider Life Skills are 12 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills taught in a fun, creative and interactive style. Adapted from the original 32 Skills, they are simplified for proactive mental health, early intervention, waiting list support and use with children, young people and adults.

The Life Skills: proactive mental health for schools

Why Organisations Choose Life Skills

Mental health needs are rising, with 50% of all mental health problems established by age 14 and 75% by age 18. The Life Skills offer a practical, evidence‑based solution that improves outcomes, builds resilience, creates a shared language and complements all psychological approaches. They are used across schools, youth groups, primary care, emergency services, health and social care, prison, police and probation services, and military and veterans settings.

Benefits for Individuals

The Life Skills help people recognise and manage their own thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Individuals learn to regulate emotion, increase mindfulness, communicate effectively and live a more skilful, less impulsive life. Other benefits include increased emotional intelligence, stronger neural pathways, improved mind–body connection and a shared language for mental health.

What’s Included in the Life Skills Programme

The programme provides everything needed to introduce and embed the skills: workshops, online training, manuals and handbooks, posters and props, training videos, online resources and apps.

Training Options

Life Skills Online Training

The Life Skills Online Training teaches professionals how to deliver all 12 CBT and DBT‑based Life Skills using our fun, creative and interactive approach. The training includes demonstrations, real‑life examples and practical guidance so staff feel confident introducing the skills to groups or individuals. It is suitable for any organisation supporting children, young people or adults.

More information on the Life Skills Online Training

Good2Go for Schools

Good2Go is designed specifically for primary schools. Young people teach the Life Skills to children through engaging videos, making it easy for schools to deliver proactive mental health support without needing staff to be trained first. It builds on the success of the Life Skills and supports whole‑school wellbeing.

More information on the Good2Go Programme

The Life Skills Trainer Manual

Each skill includes its own evidence base, handout, trainer page, visual, prop and hand sign. Real‑life examples and a discuss–demonstrate–discuss format bring the skills to life.

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Online Resources

Printable materials include a group session plan, A4 visual prompts for all 12 skills, homework sheets and lists of useful props.

Testimonials

Hear from mental health workers, headteachers and practitioners using the Life Skills. We're very proud of the impact that The Decider Skills is having in so many organisations. Thank you to everyone who has shared a testimonial.

Read testimonials

Bring the Life Skills to Your Organisation

We welcome all enquiries and support organisations across education, health, social care, justice and community settings.

Contact us

Purchase Life Skills Online Training or Good2Go Programme

 

Purchase The Life Skills Online Training or Good2Go Programme

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