Wellbeing and Mental Health is always a priority – however during these unpredictable times having a focus upon wellbeing and health is essential. The Lockdown and general uncertainties of life at present will not only be having an impact on the wellbeing of the adults in our school community, but also likely to be having an impact on children’s wellbeing. I shared the link to an assembly I have created to introduce the national ‘Children’s Mental Health Week’ which runs from 6th February to 12th February 2023.

Mental Health Week - Let’s Connect   6th—12th February

'Let's Connect' is about making connections with others in healthy, rewarding and meaningful ways.  This can be online, in a team or choir or shared dance, in the community, through acts of kindness, etc. Let’s Connect is about making meaningful connections. Human beings thrive in communities, and this connection is vital for our wellbeing. When we have healthy connections – to family, friends and others – this can support our mental health and our sense of wellbeing. And when our need for rewarding social connections is not met, we can sometimes feel isolated and lonely – which can have a negative impact on our mental health. In the week commencing 6th February we will be exploring these ideas with the children and the whole school community.

As with the Safer Internet Day there are some really helpful and interesting resources for parents on the Place2Be website. Please click here to find them and please let us know how you get on with them as we like to hear how they have been used and recommend them to other families.

Dress to express on Friday 10th February

Place2Be produce fantastic resources for schools that support teachers and children in learning about the vital messages around mental health issues. They are largely supported by donations and sponsorship so we would like to support their invaluable work with a mufti day. 

The idea is simple – use colour to express yourself on Friday by wearing a colourful outfit and donating a suggested £2 to Place2Be. 

If you have any thoughts or ideas how we could add to our provision to this week please let me know - head@walton-on-the-hill.surrey.sch.uk