During Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 (9–13 February), a traditional yellow American school bus will visit London schools to provide free wellbeing and mindfulness sessions for children and teachers. The ‘Zen Bus’ is funded by London real estate investor Delancey and delivered in partnership with mental health charity The Zen Project.
The initiative builds on Delancey’s ongoing support for The Zen Project, following its sponsorship of Mental Health Awareness Week in 2025. The Zen Bus has been repurposed to create a calm, supportive space away from classroom pressures, offering guided sessions in mindfulness, breathing, and emotional regulation for pupils and teachers.
On 9–10 February, the bus will visit local schools in London where Delancey is actively invested including Stratford and and Earls Court.
Concerns about children’s mental health are growing across the UK. Place2Be* reports that 95% of school staff have seen rising pupil anxiety in the past year, while NHS England data shows one in five children and young people had a probable mental disorder in 2023. With most mental health conditions developing before adulthood, early intervention is widely recognised as critical. Teachers also face increasing pressure, with many experiencing burnout and limited access to wellbeing support.
“The Zen Bus helps children experience calm in a way that feels engaging and accessible,” said Corinne Gardner, Founder of The Zen Project. “We focus on simple tools that children and teachers can use anywhere – in the classroom, playground, or at home.”
Jamie Ritblat, Founder and Executive Chairman of Delancey, added: “Children’s mental health is fundamental to strong, resilient communities. By supporting the Zen Bus, we’re helping bring practical wellbeing support directly into schools and neighbourhoods where have been long term investors.”
Originally used for school transport in the United States, the Zen Bus was shipped to the UK and converted to support community wellbeing programmes. During Children’s Mental Health Week, it will provide a dedicated space for children and teachers to step away from daily pressures and focus on their mental wellbeing.
