St Mary's Calne
As Children’s Mental Health Week enters its 10th year this week, we wanted to work with the ethos of 'My Voice Matters'. Children’s Mental Health Week is a time for us to think proactively about how we empower our young people, how we can equip them with the tools to maintain good mental health and how we can give a voice to all our young people. Here in the Wellbeing Team, we want to hear those voices as loudly and clearly as possible so that the support we can offer is meaningful and effective.
In order to do this, we held a collaborative event with students in Year 5 and 6 at St Margaret’s Prep on Monday. Our fabulous MIV’s joined us to run a carousel of wellbeing sessions. In doing this, we were able to demonstrate wellbeing techniques, whilst utilising the power of peer-to-peer support and of course, having plenty of fun!
We held sessions in yoga, art, team building, and maths, followed by a treasure hunt that explored the impact that breathing techniques, nature, physical exercise and mindfulness can have on our mental health.
Let us share with you a few of those insightful year 5 and 6 voices from the day…
'I intend to give myself and others space when needed.'
'I intend to be more grateful.'
'I intend to help others.'
'I am grateful for the ability to love and sleep.'
'Be happy. Be Kind.'
'Respect others.'
'I am grateful for my family and my home.'
A great morning was had by all and we are so thankful to St Margaret’s staff and students, our friendly and helpful MIV’s for their hard work, Mrs Carter who did an amazing job of making the treasure hunt possible, and to our lovely UVI Wellbeing rep, Maddie, for offering some of her time to support Children’s Mental Health Week.
Read some of the students' experiences of the day:
Miss Lousie Blake and Miss Faith Bourne
Wellbeing Practitioners