A successful Mental Health Awareness Week raising the issue of Loneliness

Mental Health Awareness week has been a great success, with pupils involving themselves in all activities offered...

The L6^th Form House Reps: India from Arion, Harvey from Blackford, Tia from Priory, Rafe from New, Mia from Wellesley and Will from Lyon, have been invaluable organising and helping co-ordinate the various events. They spoke exceptionally well in Assembly on Monday, when they introduced the theme and the activities for the week ahead, and it was wonderful to see a sea of green that day, as all pupils and staff rose to the occasion, wearing items of green to raise awareness for mental health. The Afternoon Teas have been gratefully received by pupils, as a time to get together with their friends and have a break. Luckily the sun came out for most of them, and we were again very lucky with the weather for our Walk and Talk event on Thursday, which saw the whole school - pupils, staff and dogs come together for a 15 minute walk around the beautiful ground of King’s.

The pupils loved their whole school House Night with ice creams, BBQ, games and fire pits on Thursday, whilst the 3^rd Form really enjoyed a taste of Scottish dancing on Tuesday, and really impressed with how quickly they managed to master the steps. The Chaplain preached a superb sermon in Chapel on Wednesday on loneliness, and he has also provided the staff with excellent and useful tips this week on combatting loneliness. The early morning jog to the Dovecote was another highlight, and those of us who did it, enjoyed it so much that we said we would try and do it every Friday morning until the end of term! I know the pupils have also really enjoyed the individual and twinned House activities, especially having their own House dog for the week. Some Houses have taken part in a kindness activity, where pupils were assigned individuals to be kind to over the week, and this has gone down so well that they are going to carry on with this for the rest of this term. I do feel that this week, as a School, we have successfully raised awareness about mental health issues, particularly loneliness, and that even if one person now feels more included and less lonely, then I feel this week has been a success.

Emily Simper - 1^st Designated Safeguarding Lead

Flickr album: Mental Health Awareness Week - 9th - 13th May 2022 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin

From the House Reps...

"This week, I have thoroughly enjoyed spending more time with friends in many different activities. My particular favourite was the whole school House Night at Lyon, where everyone got involved in different activities and games, mingling with different people and different years. The evening was such a joy to be part of!" - India - Arion House

“Over the past week, numerous activities have been organised by the School to raise awareness for mental health. I particularly enjoyed the whole school ‘Walk and Talk’ on Wednesday, which provided us with an invaluable opportunity to catch up with friends in a healthy environment. Subsequently, allowing myself and others to clear minds and reflect on the past and coming week. Our connection and relationship to other people and our school community, defines who we are as King’s pupils, and is fundamental to protecting our mental health.” - Rafe - New House

"Reflecting on mental health week at King’s, the events which stood out to me include the yoga session in Wellesley. An activity I organised to give my fellow housemates a moment in their busy evenings to come away from their work and relax with some stretching and meditation. I believe my mental health activity benefitted my community and myself, therefore, is one of the highlights of my week. In addition to this, the L6^th Form afternoon tea provided me a time to clear my mind, have some fun with my friends and enjoy a lovely mental health break with a cup of tea in the lovely sunshine. " - Mia - Wellesley House 

"For mental health week, I really enjoyed the evening activities in houses, it was so nice to relax at the end of a long day by watching a movie with a hot chocolate or relaxing outside with friends. I also loved giving our acts of kindness in houses, there has been a certain buzz in the House this week, which has been nice for everyone. Overall, the week was a success and a nice break in the school term." - Tia - Priory House