The importance of mental health has been explored in a week of interactive and fun learning at St Gregory’s Catholic Primary in Margate.
Pupils have embraced the My Voice Matters theme which is the central focus of the annual nationwide Children’s Mental Health Week.
The aim is about empowering children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves.
At St Gregory’s pupils enjoyed taking part in the NHS initiative called the Fantastic Fred Experience that highlights the importance of looking after your mental health and ways to do it, such as a healthy diet, getting enough rest and exercise, and being controlled with the use of devices including mobile phones, laptops, tablets and computers.
Year 3 and 4 attended a workshop delivered by School Health Services and they were given top tips and fun activities about how they can ‘stay safe’ and ‘keep healthy’.
They also received an information booklet with advice on being active, staying safe, talking about your feelings, telling a ‘safe person’ about your worries, with added personal tips on how to keep your teeth clean.
Year 5 and 6 attended a ‘Lets Connect’ workshop from The Creation Station that aims to help children thrive by making connections in healthy, rewarding and meaningful ways.
The session included hands-on creative fun activities to help build connections with other pupils and the wider world, strengthen friendships and create new ones, enhance their wellbeing, and further develop positive mental health with a free in-school ‘Let’s Connect’ workshop.
Teacher Laura Wright is the school’s PSHE Lead (personal, social, health and economic education). She said: “Overall, it was a great week and lots of communication and discussions.
“Children are aware of their and others mental health. They know that they can speak up if they are not happy or worried about something and that there is lots of support for them in and out of school. “
Head Teacher Dave Walker added: “The many different aspects of positive mental health are something that we focus on consistently as part of our ongoing care for our children.
“Further raising awareness through this annual week reinforces the work we do all year round and is an important part of our school life.”