A PRIMARY school recently enjoyed a fun packed week of activities aimed at promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Willow Tree Primary School, in Sutton Leach, held the week to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week.

The school had visits from former professional boxer Martin Murray. The Fingerpost-born star talked to the children about resilience and keeping themselves physically fit in order to help them have a positive focus on their mind-set.

 

Martin Murray talking to the pupils

Martin Murray talking to the pupils

 

The children enjoyed listening to him and were inspired by his work ethic, "never give up".

Meanwhile, Britain's Got Talent finalist Jamie Leahey, from Rainford, brought his trusty companion and Chuck along and had the children entertained during an assembly aimed at promoting good mental health.

 

Jamie Leahey and Chuck

Jamie Leahey and Chuck

 

Jamie reminded the children that "it’s OK to not be OK" but tell an adult or friend so that you can get help when you need it.

Also, Tara and Brad from Saints Community foundation delivered a ‘Healthy body, Healthy mind’ workshop to parents and children, which proved popular and gave parents ideas to try at home to support family with their own Mental Health needs.

All the children took part in a ‘Junior Chef’ session, and learned the importance of healthy eating to support their own wellbeing.

Pupils also undertook a therapeutic art session and made a mosaic of a ‘Honey hive’ which will be proudly displayed in the honeycomb room.

 

Jamie Leahey and Chuck at Willow Tree

Jamie Leahey and Chuck at Willow Tree

 

All children took part in a ‘Junior Chef’ session, and learned the importance of healthy eating to support their own wellbeing.

Meanwhile, year six pupils engaged in a wellbeing session with Les Roberts, child therapist. They talked about things that we can and can’t control, and were supported to make these judgements.

The busy week also saw pupils undertake a therapeutic art session and made a mosaic of a ‘Honey hive’ which will be proudly displayed in the honeycomb room. Year 6 children were trained as wellbeing warriors and called themselves ‘Busy Bees’. These children are available on the playground during lunchtimes and support other pupils to make friends.

 

Saints Community Foundation visited the school

Saints Community Foundation visited the school

 

Classrooms timetabled in Mindful Monday activities, such as breathing activities, Thoughtful Tuesday involved reframing thoughts and positive affirmations. Wellbeing Wednesday focused on resilience activities and raising self- esteem. Thankful Thursday encouraged gratitude journalling and making 'thank you' cards. Feelings Friday closed with exploring the use of a worry box.

Willow Tree staff delivered massages, meditation sessions and cheerleading sessions after school for all staff.

 

Willow Tree pupils enjoyed a busy week

Willow Tree pupils enjoyed a busy week

 

Sharon Farrell, pastoral manager at the school added: "Willow Tree are lucky to have their own Wellbeing hub known as The Hive.

"This is available to all children and offers bespoke interventions, targeting support in the form of counselling, therapies and wellbeing sessions.

"All children had access to this facility during the week and engaged in mindfulness sessions, physical activity games outdoors and making friendship bracelets.

"These new skills will continue to be developed and be embedded throughout life at Willow Tree Primary School."