Celebrating Connections For Children's Mental Health Week

Published on isbi School News dated Monday 13th of February 2023

We proudly participated in Children’s Mental Health Week 2023 (6-12 February), a nationwide initiative that emphasises the significance of healthy connections for children's mental wellbeing.

To commemorate this important event, the School organised a series of engaging activities aimed at fostering relationships and combating social anxiety among pupils.

Some of the initiatives we introduced to celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week, include:

• Adventure Map Challenge: D pupils were tasked with exploring the school and making connections with each other through an adventure map. The pupils completed fun tasks, took photos, and created collages of their memories to share with their peers.

• Peer Mentor Evenings: A3 pupils and their D mentees met in boarding houses for heart-to-heart conversations and catch-ups. These evenings provided an opportunity for pupils to bond and strengthen their relationships.

• Social Gatherings: Pupils of different ages had a blast getting together over food and fun activities. D pupils enjoyed sweet treats and popcorn, C and B pupils enjoyed delicious pizzas, and A2 pupils participated in a lively Pub Quiz night, exchanging ideas, and having a great time.

Assistant Head Pastoral, Claire Bray commented: "Enabling good mental health for our pupils is always at the forefront of all we do. Mental Health Week is a celebration of that. It was fantastic to see so many pupils embracing the activities we organised for Children’s Mental Health Week, and our houseparents did a fantastic job of encouraging pupils to participate in a variety of activities, including yoga, baking, mindfulness sessions, knitting, and movie nights, which helped to further connect pupils."

In addition to promoting connections among pupils, Bryanston is also encouraging them to extend their support to children in other parts of the world. Pupils are being asked to bring back blankets after half term to aid earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Ms. Bray added: "The theme of 'Let's Connect' extends beyond our school and encompasses our responsibility to think about children in other countries and their struggles."

Children’s Mental Health Week 2023 at Bryanston was a celebration of the strong connections we strive for in the school. With healthy and reflective connections, we continue to move forward in promoting mental wellness among pupils.