Wigan schoolchildren learn to be mindful of mental health problems

Wood Fold Primary School in Standish staged different things each day, drafting in Wigan Warriors, charity volunteers and therapy dogs to stimulate their minds, teach them how to identify signs of poor mental health, and how to speak out if they need help.

The project was the idea of the school’s pastoral manager Lucy Gambles, who is studying for a degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing at Edge Hill University.

She was inspired to organise the week of events after seeing similar schemes for young people being run by local charities, and was delighted when headteacher Mrs Gough gave her idea the green light.

Miss Gambles said: “We understand the importance of promoting health and wellbeing to young people.

“I just thought about what is key in having good mental health and tried to put those topics into the week.

“The amount of volunteers we’ve had is amazing.”

They all understand the importance of staying healthy in your body and your mind as well. Everyone has jumped on the idea.”

On one of the days the children brought in a donation for Wigan food banks and completed a random act of kindness throughout the day. Dog Therapy volunteers also paid a visit to the school

Wigan Warriors came in for a morning session to complete a Warriors mentality talk and a yoga session.

On Time to Talk Thursday, children were given time to pause within their academic day to have a biscuit and a drink, and dedicated time to talk with their friends about how they’re feeling and a GP will be stopping by to teach everyone about nutrition and its effects on both physical and mental wellbeing.

On Feel Good Friday, the children came in their own clothes for a donation for Young Minds and Place 2 Be charities.

Miss Gambles added: “We wanted them to have fun, that’s the most important thing.

“We wanted them to be engaged and to know where to find help if they are struggling.

“I think young people, especially the boys, are afraid of talking about how they’re feeling.

“We want them to build resilience, to look after themselves, and to know what to say if they are struggling.

“We want them to live happy, healthy lives. That’s our aim as a school, we pride ourselves on it.”