Mental health is one of the most important foundations for a healthy and long life.
And yet the mental health of children and adolescents has been widely described as being in crisis, with the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland stating that one in four young people in Scotland face mental health challenges every week.
There’s no doubt that school pupils need more guidance and support than ever to help them navigate the pressures they face in today’s increasingly complex world.
So during the School’s Activities Week, HSD took action and staged an event that was unique in nature and singular in its aim.
Project Wellbeing brought together around 30 local experts to provide pupils in L7(P7) – F3(S3) with fantastic practical tools to allow them to take the best care of their minds and bodies.
Over the course of the day at Mayfield, the practitioners ran a series of engaging activities centred around Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s 4 pillars of health – movement, sleep, food, relaxation.
From yoga, kick-boxing and relaxation techniques to nutrition advice, developing a positive mindset and peer support, the pupils explored some of the things they can do to look after their mental health and general wellbeing.
PCS teachers Lucy Jack and Sarah Guy organised the event, which is now in its third year. They said, “Project Wellbeing offers pupils a valuable opportunity to take ownership of their mental and physical health through an engaging day of expert-led sessions.
“What makes this event unique is not just that it’s an exciting event focussed solely on all aspects of pupil wellbeing, it’s that pupils are able to choose their own sessions. This creates a personalised timetable that enhances engagement, motivation, active involvement throughout the day and ensures pupils get the most out of it.
“Through hands-on learning, pupils gain simple, practical strategies they can continue to use well beyond the event. By taking part in sessions focused on sleep and relaxation, food and movement, and small everyday changes, pupils develop a clearer understanding of how quick, easy tweaks can positively impact their wellbeing and support healthier habits for the future.”
The School was extremely grateful to the local organisations and practitioners who gave up their time to run sessions for our young people, and to a number of local businesses that kindly donated food and other items for the event.