Lionheart Schools Embrace Children's Mental Health Week

This year – from 3rd to 9th February – the focus was on ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’ and, throughout the week, our schools engaged in activities that encouraged self-awareness and personal growth.

Here’s the round up of what some of our schools got up to…

At Beauchamp College, Student Wellbeing Ambassadors led gatherings throughout the week - with empathy and maturity - highlighting the importance among their peers of prioritising mental health.  

As the week ended, the school burst into a vibrant rainbow of colour as staff and students dressed in colours representing characters from the film Inside Out, celebrating the diverse range of emotions that make us human. 

Children eagerly embraced the ‘Dress to Impress’ fundraising initiative at Brocks Hill Primary School, dazzling everyone with their unique personalities and interests through an array of colourful clothing. They donned outfits that held special meanings for them, proudly showcasing what makes them unique and emphasising their creativity and self-expression. We saw Cubs jumpers, an array of pink glitz, and cultural overshirts – those brave enough also demonstrated their football allegiances, with several Manchester United shirts perceptible amidst the colourful backdrop! 

This initiative not only raised close to £500 but also celebrated the diversity and individuality of all pupils. 

It was certainly a busy week for the pupils at Broom Leys Primary School,  who had tremendous fun engaging in classroom assemblies and activities. 

Several of the school’s ELSAs – part of the Wellbeing and Inclusion Team – hosted workshops for pupils in which they were tasked with identifying factors that positively impacted their mental wellness. For example, they crafted their own ‘sparkle jars,’ brimming with cherished objects and memories that spark joy and happiness. 

Reaching out to the local community, the school also ran a parent/carer coffee morning, where a representative from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services spoke about ways in which adults can support their child. 

At The Castle Rock School, the school’s SEND Team hosted a range of activities designed to support students’ mental wellbeing. They created ‘calm down’ glitter jars and calming stones, explored the ‘Zones of Regulation,’ and made breathing exercise reminder cards for lanyards. These activities ensured students had practical tools and strategies to help maintain their mental well-being. While in the Sixth Form, Teen Health collaborated with students on managing their mental health.  

Reflecting after their whole-school assembly, pupils at Hallam Fields Primary School, created their own ‘Personality Island,’ illustrating their positive characteristics and things they are thankful for, such as love, family, friendship, and of course, food! This creative activity allowed students to express gratitude and celebrate the qualities that make them unique. 

Judgemeadow Community College,  actively promoted the Tellmi app throughout the week, providing students with a safe space to share their thoughts and feelings. Talented students unleashed their creativity and illustrated eye-catching posters which were displayed on digital screens around the school, ensuring everyone was informed and engaged. 

A new episode of the school’s popular podcast ‘In The Meadows’ was also released at the end of the week, discussing Children’s Mental Health Week and delving deeper into this year’s theme. Hosts Ammarah and Aaliyah discussed the school’s support network, highlighting the roles of the Safeguarding Team, Heads of Year, Form Tutors, and general teaching and associate staff. 

Watch/Listen here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srG8TCr-5js  

The week not only highlighted the importance of mental health, but also empowered pupils across Lionheart schools with the tools and confidence to nurture their own well-being and support each other.