JUST ASK – Psychology & Wellbeing Skills Cards for SEND

36 illustrated, ACT-informed cards to support emotional awareness, reflection and wellbeing

Make conversations about thoughts, feelings and wellbeing more accessible with JUST ASK, a practical set of 36 illustrated psychology and wellbeing skills cards designed to support young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Developed by Renwick Psychology, this resource draws on principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to encourage self-awareness, emotional understanding, flexible thinking and small, meaningful steps towards what matters.

What’s included?

36 illustrated activity cards, organised into six colour-coded themes.
A practical guide explaining ACT, the purpose of the cards and suggestions for using them.

Questions and visual prompts to encourage reflection and discussion.
Short activities and practical suggestions for exploring each topic.
Adult guidance to help staff facilitate supportive, non-judgemental conversations.
Accessibility guidance encouraging flexible responses through speaking, writing, drawing, pointing, symbols, with the option to pass.

The six themes

1. Notice Your Thoughts – explore thoughts and learn to notice them without automatically accepting them as facts.
2. Make Room for Feelings – recognise feelings and consider how to respond to them supportively.
3. Be Here Now – develop awareness of the present moment through gentle, optional activities.
4. You Are More Than Your Thoughts – explore identity and recognise that a person is more than a difficult thought, feeling or experience.
5. What Matters to You? – consider personal values and what feels meaningful.
6. Take a Small Step – identify realistic, manageable actions guided by what matters to the young person.

Who is this resource for?

JUST ASK may be useful for:

SEND teachers and teaching assistants
Pastoral and wellbeing teams
Tutors and learning support staff
Small-group or one-to-one educational support
Adults supporting young people to explore emotional awareness and coping skills

The cards can be used flexibly in short sessions, as conversation starters or to explore a particular theme. They are not intended to be completed in a fixed order, and adults can select cards according to the young person’s communication style, needs and preferences.

An inclusive, choice-led approach

The resource encourages adults to offer choices, use concrete examples, adapt questions and respect a young person’s decision not to answer. Activities are intended to support reflection rather than test knowledge, demand disclosure or enforce particular behaviours.

Important information: JUST ASK is an educational, ACT-informed resource. It is not a diagnostic tool, a clinically validated assessment or a substitute for individualised support, therapy or safeguarding procedures. Activities should be adapted to each young person’s needs.