Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

22 May 2023

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We supported Mental Health Awareness Week in school from 15th to 19th May and the official theme for this year is anxiety.

There were a number of activities that took place during the week including; assemblies, students sharing their coping strategies, staff wore green, there was an energetic clubbercise event and a delicious cake sale too. These events helped to raise the wonderful amount of £398.25 and the money has been donated to Lancashire Mind.

Please see the information and photographs below about the week:

A huge thank you to our students for sharing their amazing coping strategies below:

Pets

How Do We Feel Around Them?
In my experience, I love knowing that pets will never judge you for who or what you are and they only ask for love and affection in return! They can be an excellent source of comfort and companionship for individuals dealing with mental health challenges.

How Do They Help?
Pets can have a significant positive impact on mental health by providing emotional support, reducing stress levels, and promoting physical activity. Spending time with pets can help reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness by increasing the production of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

How Can They Effect You?
As a strategy, pets provide a sense of purpose and routine, which can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with mental health disorders. Additionally, pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

If I don't have a pet or don't like them....
Not everyone has a pet or they may simply not like them! This is okay since there are always other options to mental health management such as music therapy or just talking to someone. We have our emotional support dog in school on Wednesdays and Thursdays and Mrs Kimberley is always open to talk to.