To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, May 12th – May 16th, our Wellbeing Ambassadors and the passionate mental health advocates of the school community, came together to organise a brilliant week of wellbeing activities to support pupil voice and break the stigma around mental health.
At the Prep School, pupils were given a special Mental Health Awareness Assembly by our Senior School Prefects, focusing on kindness and community, before heading outside for various wellbeing activities including cricket and pond dipping.
Speaking in Chapel during a special wellbeing service, Year 12 pupil Rachel H addressed the whole school on the importance of kindness.
“Mental health isn’t about feeling happy or sad or by having a good day. It’s about how we think, feel, and cope with daily life, and for many teens – including some in this chapel – it can be a struggle,” Rachel said.
“In the UK, approximately 1 in 6 children between the ages of 7 and 16 are likely to have a mental health issue. For older teens aged between 17 and 19, that figure rises to nearly 1 in 4. These statistics are not just numbers, they are people we see every day: friends, classmates, even the people that we think have it all together.
“It’s important that you all know it’s okay not to be okay, and it’s more than acceptable to talk about it. Whether you speak to a friend, a teacher, our Chaplain, a parent or one of our Wellbeing Ambassadors – you are never alone.
“We can all do our part to support each other. Let’s be kind, do not judge if someone speaks to us, and let’s create a school environment where everyone feels free to be open about their emotions. It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice.”
Year 12 pupil Oliver F also spoke in Chapel about ways for us all to help improve our wellbeing and mental health, including the benefits of a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, and random acts of kindness.
“I know that you all understand about the importance of taking care of your own mental health and the mental health of those around you, as it’s a vital part of our lives”, said Oliver. “Remember, being kind to yourself is essential to positive mental health.”
Elsewhere across the Senior School, green ribbons were given out to pupils and staff to show support and encourage conversation around our mental wellbeing, and in the library we had a featured book display of works by wellbeing authors and specialist psychologists.
Discover more about pastoral care at Framlingham College or listen to our Wellbeing Podcast Series.
