Transforming Student Wellbeing: The RISE Up Theory of Change Model
- Neil @ Future Action
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
At Future Action, we empower educators to create trauma-informed, movement-based interventions that transform young people's mental wellbeing and life chances.
By equipping schools with high-impact tools, training, and strategies, we help students develop resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Since 2021, RISE Up has evolved into a powerful programme that provides over 250 schools with the tools, training, and strategies to support students in developing resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
But how does RISE Up actually make a lasting impact?
To answer this, we’ve developed the RISE Up Theory of Change — a clear framework showing how and why our approach works.
You can download a PDF of our RISE Up theory of change model here.
The Challenge: Why RISE Up Exists
Today's young people face increasing challenges to their mental wellbeing. Rates of anxiety, disengagement from education, and the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have all sharply increased.
Many students lack the relational safety, movement-based regulation strategies, and self-care tools needed to navigate these pressures.
At the same time, even the most dedicated educators often lack the training and resources to meet these needs consistently.
Without the right support structures, creating lasting wellbeing can feel out of reach.
This is where RISE Up comes in.
Our Approach: The RISE Up Formula
The RISE Up Formula is the foundation of our work and consists of four key pillars:
1️⃣ Outstanding Relationships – Building strong, emotionally available connections to create safe, inspiring environments.
2️⃣ Movement for Mental Wellbeing – Using movement to support emotional regulation, belonging and engagement through the RISE framework (Repeaters, Inclusive Teams, Stress Busters, and Energisers).
3️⃣ Play Wrapped in Care – Promoting play-based approaches to nurture emotional healing, trust, and joyful learning experiences.
4️⃣ Early Intervention Wellbeing Programmes – Equipping students with self-care toolkits to develop resilience, self-awareness, and lifelong wellbeing habits.
The RISE Up Theory of Change: Mapping Our Impact
To bring structure to the programme’s impact, we’ve developed a Theory of Change that outlines how we achieve lasting transformation. Here’s how it works:
🔹 Inputs – We provide high-quality training, resources, and multi-agency collaboration opportunities to empower teachers.
✅ Outputs – Confident teachers, bespoke RISE Up programmes, and greater student engagement with movement and wellbeing strategies.
📈 Outcomes – Students develop stronger emotional regulation, confidence, and connection. Schools embed sustainable, whole-school wellbeing approaches.
🌍 Impact – A national movement of trauma-informed schools where young people feel safe, engaged, and empowered to thrive in education and beyond.
You can view all our impact reports and case studies here.
Looking Ahead: Growing the Global RISE Up Community
Our vision is to grow the Global RISE Up Community, connecting educators worldwide to transform student wellbeing through collaboration, shared learning, and innovation.
If you’re already part of this journey, we’d love to hear how RISE Up is making a difference in your school. If you’re new, now is the perfect time to join our mission.
Together, we can ensure that every young person has access to the relationships, movement strategies, and self-care tools they need to flourish.
Let’s RISE up and make this happen.
Do You Want to Improve Your Students’ Wellbeing?
Complete your School Wellbeing Scorecard here - — it takes just 3 minutes to map your school’s wellbeing provision and identify key areas to strengthen.
Join our waiting list here - to explore partnerships, training, consultancy, and speaking opportunities, or get your copy of Time to RISE Up.
Have a brilliant week, and thank you for all you do for your young people!
Neil Moggan and the Future Action team
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