Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental health is an incredibly important issue for pupils and teachers alike. It can have a profound effect on wellbeing, learning ability and overall success in school. Mental Health Awareness Week at Chigwell aims to create a dialogue around the importance of mental health, bring attention to the prevalence of mental illness and its effects on young people, and discuss ways that students can look after their own mental wellbeing. In chapel and assembly this week, pupils heard four of their teachers talk about their own experience of mental health. Our thanks go to Mr Andrew Long, Mr Michael Wright, Mr Neil Saunders and Mr Keith Ennis for talking to our students. The aim of these talks was to normalise conversations about mental health and reduce stigma around seeking out support when it is needed. Ultimately, teachers who are open about their own experiences can inspire students to do the same, creating a more supportive environment for everyone in the school community. Pupils were also introduced to Nina, our school counsellor, who is available for regular appointments or drop-in sessions.

The Equality Ambassadors also played a key role in making this week a success. Pupils have been busy preparing resources and tutor time activities, creating posters and mentoring their peers in our mentoring room. Mental health has also been the focus of discussion in societies this week, such as Biomedical Society who discussed mental health from a scientific point of view and Cultural Society, who discussed how different cultures perceive mental health. Mental Health Awareness Week is a great start in raising awareness, but we must continue to have discussions and bring attention to this important issue throughout the academic year