We’re all in this together – Children’s Mental Health week

Pupils from across the school have taken the unusual step to dance their way to better mental health this Children’s Mental Health week.

Pupils were challenged to express themselves through dance as part of the national campaign organised by charity Place2Be.

Year 11 pupil, Poppy, helped lead the event. Poppy, a lifelong fan of High School Musical and a keen dancer and choreographer has been teaching pupils and teachers alike the steps to ‘We’re all in this together’ from the popular show.

Pupils who have been learning remotely have also been able to join in the challenge, filming themselves and then submitting their lively efforts through a specially created portal. Even parents and members of the school’s alumni have joined in to make this year’s event extra special.

Wellbeing Support Teacher, Diane Riddell, said: “Our express yourself challenge this year has been designed to get pupils and their family away from their screens and moving around. Research has shown that dancing can help feelings of anxiety and depression and lift your mood. We’ve certainly had fun this week!”

The finished video will be sent to the community via the school’s weekly newsletter ahead of half-term.

Throughout the week, the school engaged with a variety of other activities aimed at allow pupils to express themselves and find new ways to share feelings, thoughts and ideas. They have included decorating biscuits, making chocolate mousse and creating imaginative smoothies!

Children’s Mental Health week is organised by Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity that provides counselling and mental health support and training in UK schools. Last year, Place2Be worked with 700 schools in England, Scotland and Wales, reaching 380,691 children and young people.

To find out more about the charity and the work they do, please visit https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/