Wellbeing Champions

Mental health has been a consistent theme for many years and has become a key priority since the pandemic, with students actively involved in the vision for a whole school approach to wellbeing alongside parents, staff, governors, and professionals.  This was recently recognised by achieving GOLD for the School Mental Health Award led by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health.  Our team of highly enthusiastic Wellbeing Champions help to design and implement initiatives to support emotional wellbeing such as Feel-Good Friday, PSCE workshops, 21st Century Child, Wellbeing Takeover Week, and our longest-running campaign to promote kindness, #21AOK.  Our work to promote mental health and wellbeing has been commended by the Youth Mental Health Ambassador, Dr Alex George.

Feel Good Friday

“Never underestimate the power of the little things.”  To support transition, signpost support, and promote wellbeing, our team of Wellbeing Champions and Junior Leadership Team lead are attached to Year 7 form groups.  Our Feel-Good Friday initiative allows students the opportunity to develop relationships through the delivery of mood-boosting activities during form time registration.  Weekly sessions include alphabet stretch, doodles, one-word stories, fun debates, and more.

 

Pockets of Positivity 

The concept was first launched on our social media platforms during the pandemic, with the hope of shining a light on the small things that made us smile. The idea was further inspired by the work of Emily Coxhead, author of The Happy News and Jodie Ann Bickley, author of One Million Lovely Letters.  Following the loss of our Headteacher, we created a PSCE workshop for students to create open letters, affirmations, illustrations, and happy news stories, sharing messages of hope, gratitude, and kindness.  Our partnership with West Midlands Police has enabled us to extend our messages to members of the local community, supporting victims of crime.  We believe that one kind word can change someone’s day.

 

21 Acts of Kindness

#21AOK encourages people to carry out an act of kindness every day for 21 days. Research shows it takes 21 days to make or break a habit and, as you never know what hides behind a smile, it is important to spread kindness at every opportunity.  This campaign has been endorsed by members of Diversity, The Vamps, Callum Best, James Haskell, Nick Knowles, and Demarai Gray.   We are always looking for people to join our #21AOK hall of fame, so if you would like to find out more, please get in touch.

21AOK Hall of Fame

“Mental health and supporting people’s wellbeing is always important to me.  Since becoming a wellbeing champion, that passion has increased, as well as my confidence.”
Lily Marlow – Year 9 
“I love being a Wellbeing Champion because I understand that mental health is really important. I enjoy helping my school and community.”
Nathan Smith  – Year 9
“I enjoy Feel Good Friday because it helps us to bond with younger students and help them feel at ease.”
Sofia Thorp – Year 8
“My favourite thing about being a wellbeing champion is getting the chance to help others and being able to make a difference.”
Mia Raybould – Year 10 
“I chose to be a wellbeing champion because I am passionate about mental health and like to raise awareness.”
Cleo Woolley – Year 10