Yesterday, the whole school joined with children from around the country to share a special service supporting our mental health awareness week. This year’s focus was ‘why feeling included matters’. Katie Hopper, children’s author and mental wellbeing advocate, shared one of her stories with the children and then gave everyone time to reflect on how their words and actions can help others feel welcome and supported.  This linked beautifully to a service led, earlier in the term, by our collective worship champions.  They focused on belonging and inclusion.  One of our pupils shared their story of having to move to the UK because of war in Ukraine.  He spoke about how he had been made to feel included because, “the children in my class were really kind, they played with me and helped me throughout the year.  I really felt included, definitely 100%. If someone was being unkind my friends would help me and make it better.”

This afternoon the children are going to be bringing home an activity pack created by Mr Goodhand, our mental health leader, linked to our mental health awareness week.  This may be something the children will enjoy doing over the half term break.  Attached to the newsletter, is some information for adults on our Mental Health Support Team and how parents can access this support.