Hemel Hempstead pupils and teachers celebrate Children's Mental Health Week

Pupils and staff at a school in Hemel Hempstead celebrated Children's Mental Health Week by raising awareness of the importance of supporting emotional wellbeing from an early age.

Now more than ever, we need to look after ourselves and each other, with this in mind, Lockers Park School explored the week’s central theme, ‘Express Yourself’, with a series of live online assemblies and talks, culminating in an expressive fancy dress day.

Younger pupils made ‘Worry Monsters’ (pictured) as part of wellbeing challenges and talked together about how 'a problem shared is a problem halved' in daily story times.

Older year groups experienced an inspiring session with Mike Wilkinson, who shared his story of recovering from a traumatic brain injury, and shared motivational tips on achieving goals.

The school’s Pastoral Team, and Head of Art also asked pupils to craft their own piece of artwork in the style of British artist and author, Charlie Mackesy, exploring the creative ways we can share our feelings and thoughts.

Lockers Park Headmaster, Chris Wilson said: "Schools provide the perfect setting to embed a supportive mindset and normalise discussions around mental health.

"Spending time focusing on this important issue is always time well-spent.

"At Lockers Park we prioritise the wellbeing of our young charges from the get-go: PSHE lessons, wellbeing challenges and external talks are geared towards destigmatising the topic of mental health.

"Moreover, as a small school, our pupils can feel part of a secure, family-orientated community where everyone’s voice is heard.”

Lockers Park will be hosting a Virtual Open Morning on Saturday, March 13, to book visit: www.lockerspark.herts.sch.uk/openday.