Children’s Mental Health Week

Pupils from across school have been encouraged to get active in order to improve their mental health this Children’s Mental Health Week.

Last week, pupils were encouraged to ‘dance it off’ as part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness surrounding mental health in young people.

The weeks’ worth of activities was organised by the schools dedicated Wellbeing Support Teacher and Counsellor, Diane Riddell. Amongst the events, pupils had the opportunity to dance during their break and reflect through a series of mindfulness sessions.

Mrs Riddell said: “The purpose of the sessions was to encourage pupils to access the mental benefits of being physically active. Dance is a fun way to lift your mood and improve your self-esteem.”

The school’s Wellbeing Support Teacher and Counsellor led fun dances including routines from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with pupils from across the school joining in.

Mindfulness sessions were well attended across the school week. Mrs Riddell highlighted the power of mindfulness for children. Some of the benefits include: lowering anxiety and stress, increasing positive mood, encourage better decision making and improving social skills and communication.

To find out more about Children’s Mental Health Week, please visit the https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/