Introducing our new Student Wellbeing Ambassadors

Nathan Davidson
Introducing our new Student Wellbeing Ambassadors, featured image

Here at Oathall we take the mental health and wellbeing of our students very seriously indeed.

This week our newly nominated Wellbeing Ambassadors met with our Wellbeing Support staff to find out more about their new roles. One student from every tutor group across years 7, 8 and 9 was selected to join this peer-to-peer support group.

So how does it work? Our Wellbeing Ambassadors are responsible for upholding the Mental Health and Wellbeing procedures within their own tutor groups. They will introduce the tutor group to a wide range of ideas and activities that can support positive well being and encourage students to find their own solutions to supporting their mental health.

We want to congratulate our Ambassadors for agreeing to support the school this academic year. Individually they are a vital cogs in the machine that will help ensure that wellbeing remains at the forefront of our thoughts in school.

Wellbeing Ambassadors congregate to discuss belonging at Oathall

Nathan Davidson
Wellbeing Ambassadors congregate to discuss belonging at Oathall, featured image

Earlier this week our Wellbeing Ambassadors – of which there are two per tutor group – had the opportunity to work with Helen Pinney, Advisory Teacher from Thoughtful Mental Health Support Teams in Schools.

During the interactive session they considered the subject of belonging exploring ideas for how any isolated students can feel more connected to the school.

Wellbeing Ambassadors congregate to discuss belonging at Oathall, gallery 1

They discussed how extra-curricular clubs, representing the school and the overall school learning environment can foster positive connections to the school and to their fellow students.

Together they started to form an action plan to improve on existing practices and generate new ideas.

We look forward to the next session.

Wellbeing Ambassadors congregate to discuss belonging at Oathall, gallery 2

Year 9s get thrifty at Pre-loved Clothes Swap event

Nathan Davidson

Year 9s get thrifty at Pre-loved Clothes Swap event, gallerySome Year 9 students bagged a bargain at their Pre-loved Clothes Swap event at lunchtime today – and we wanted to let you know that it’s not too late to get involved!

There are still two events being held this week – tomorrow (Thursday 12th) is the Year 8 event, and Friday is for Year 7s.

All students need to do is bring in up to three items of clothing, which they can exchange for tokens to use at the event. They just need to see their Wellbeing reps in tutor time.

These events are a key part of the Helping Other People and the Planet initiative in school.

Inaugural Pre-loved Clothes Swap event launched

Nathan Davidson

Pre-loved Clothes Swap post featured imageAs part of the Helping Other People and the Planet initiative, Wellbeing Reps across the school are spearheading a campaign to encourage their fellow students to donate up to three items of clothing – suitable for young people, aged 11-16 – for the first Pre-loved Clothes Swap event in school.

During the week commencing 9 February, students will be invited to attend Clothes Swaps at lunchtime in the Assembly Hall.

Students will receive one token for each piece of clothing they donate, which in turn can be exchanged for one piece of clothing at the events.

Parents should have approved the clothing donations, which must be in good condition and should not include underwear or swimwear.

Student Wellbeing drop-in sessions

Jo Godbolt

As part of a strategy to help young people improve their wellbeing and mental health, Oathall student volunteers have begun a new initiative to help their peers cope with and discuss any wellbeing issues they may have.

On a weekly basis, students now have the opportunity to attend a “Wellbeing Drop-In Session.” This allows pupils with wellbeing-related issues, such as stress, anxiety and friendship problems, to speak to other pupils in a safe environment. These sessions are overseen by teachers but are ultimately run by pupil volunteers who have received training.

The aim of this initiative is to provide pupils with peers who will listen to them, as well as suggest potential solutions and coping strategies.

This logo has been designed by one of the wellbeing student volunteers.