Established in 2013, SHRN is a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of children and young people across Wales. By bringing together schools, academic researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from health, education, and social care, we promote evidence-based approaches to improve health and well-being in schools.
We bridge the gap between research and practice, empowering schools to use proven strategies that boost the health and well-being of their learners. Our collaborative approach ensures that research insights directly shape policies and practices, creating a healthier environment for all learners. As the first national network of its kind, we lead the way in turning school health research into practical actions. Our pioneering efforts have made us a vital part of the education, health, and well-being landscape in Wales.
Policy and Practice
Our strategic partnership with Public Health Wales and our integration with The Welsh Network of Health and Well-being Promoting Schools (WNHWPS) have been crucial to our growth. With strong support from the Welsh Government, SHRN has become a national leader in research and evaluation.
We play a key role in various key national health and well-being policies and strategies, providing valuable data that shapes school health practices and supports learner well-being across Wales. Our data has been cited in over 30 national policies and strategies, including the Whole-School Approach to Mental Health and Well-being (2021) and Estyn’s Healthy and Happy Report (2019). This highlights our significant impact on health-related policies in Wales