Downton school launches wellbeing website for students
The Trafalgar School is putting mental health at the top of the timetable
The secondary has created a website where pupils can access information and support on mental health and wellbeing to help through the teenage years.
Deputy Head and pastoral lead Rachael Faulkner is behind the idea;
"For a long time I've wanted to get get a sort of one stop shop going for Trafalgar students which encapsulates all the things we do for them in school for their well being and mental health. This seems like the perfect time because obviously we are trying to stay in touch with our students but we can't see all of them so we want them to feel cared for and know the support is there if they need it."
Mrs Faulkner says the pandemic and the worries that brings means there's a greater need to focus on wellbeing.
"It's a scary time for students, not only for them but for their parents because nobody in our life-time, in our generation, has faced such a horrible all encompassing thing where the goal posts keep changing."
A PROBLEM SHARED IS A PROBLEM HALVED
The website includes a thought of the week like reminding students not to bottle up their worries well as focusing on the importance of keeping active.
Regular physical activity is associated with a greater sense of wellbeing and lower rates of depression and anxiety.
Students are being encouraged to find a mood lifter they can either do in short bursts or a sport they can do for longer like Couch to 5k.
REMINDER TO TAKE A BREAK
Mrs Faulkner is also keen to remind students and parents working from home to take a break.
"It's very easy to carry on for hours and hours without a break and push yourself, then you start questioning whether your work is good enough. It's really important you take a break, and you pause and appreciate the good things in life at the moment."