The focus of the week was to help students reflect on what makes them feel happy, safe and that they truly belong.

During Tutor Time and RSHE lessons, students took part in a range of activities, including designing their own town and islands to support mental health and wellbeing. They also created vision boards, highlighting their future goals, ways to maintain positive mental health and strategies they could use if they encounter setbacks or failure. These creative tasks encouraged them to think about how communities can promote kindness, inclusion and support for everyone.

Display screens around the school also featured staff quotes about what ‘This Is My Place’ means to them, reinforcing a shared sense of belonging across our school community. The week was a positive and thoughtful way to end term, reminding everyone that the Lower Academy is a place where we belong together.

“Children’s Mental Health Week means a lot to me because many people don’t always know how to get the help they need. It helps spread awareness and get the message out.” Sydni-Mae.H – Year 7

“Children’s Mental Health Week means showing awareness for children who struggle with mental health and may have a hard time coping with anxiety, depression, or other difficult challenges that no one should have to go through.” Emily.C - Year 8

“Children’s Mental Health Week is very important because it raises awareness of the struggles children may be going through. It encourages people to help and support them.” Nate.H - Year 9