Children's Mental Health Week

The theme of this year's Children's Mental Health Week is 'Know Yourself, Grow Yourself', and students throughout the school are hearing in assemblies the ways in which they can take an active role in looking after their mental health and be more self-aware.

They were given five top-tips:

1. Be curious about your emotions 

It's normal to feel down sometimes, but there are things that can help us all get out from under a black cloud including exercise, journaling how we feel, and talking about our worries to a friend or trusted adult. By knowing what makes us feel anxious or sad, we can learn strategies to help cope with our triggers.

2. What matters most

Putting things into perspective is a great way to deal with anxieties. We can sometimes channel all our energy into something which, with hindsight, can be easily solved, so stepping back from the problem and reassessing how we feel can be a good way of dealing with things.

3. Feedback

Listening to feedback from teachers and peers is crucial. Often, we underestimate our strengths, and acknowledging positive feedback can boost our confidence and self-awareness.

4. Get creative

Taking time to do something creative can help us think more clearly. Whether it's dancing, singing, painting, or acting, creativity can help us let go of tension and take a moment of mindfulness.

5. Put your phone down

Try it! Stepping away from our phones can help us relax and even improves our concentration!

Although this initiative is part of the national campaign led by the mental health charity Place2Be, Charters School offers ongoing support for students throughout the academic year. Those in need can seek help from their Head of Year, Tutors, or the Safeguarding Team. Additionally, students can email worried@chartersschool.org.uk for confidential support.

For further online support, students were directed to resources such as Kooth and Young Minds, which provide valuable mental health guidance tailored for young people.

By embracing the 'Know Yourself, Grow Yourself' approach, students at Charters are learning how to nurture their mental well-being, ensuring they are better equipped to handle life’s challenges.