Oldham school celebrates Mental Health Awareness Week

Children at Alexandra Park Junior School have been thinking about their mental health this week as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

The Brook Lane school regularly includes mental health in their assemblies, but during weeks such as this they make a special effort to highlight mental health to the children.

Daily challenges have been posted on the schools online learning platform Class Dojo, and the schools PE lead Mr Clarke kicked off the week with a special Supermovers Mental Health workout.

PSHE leader Samantha Nicholson-Hickling said: "We make sure mental health is part of our ever day curriculum and not something we just talk about when awareness weeks come around. Mental health is such an important topic, especially after the past 12 months.

"This pandemic has exposed everyone to the crisis that is mental health and has made many people more aware. At our school we ensure we look after our pupils mental health with a pupil-centred approach.

"We also have a wonderful space in school called The Think Tank which is run by our amazing pastoral team. They support pupils with any difficulties they have. We are incredibly lucky to have them and as a teacher, it makes my job much easier to know they are there for support when it is needed."

This year's theme for Mental Health Awareness Week has been nature, encouraging people to get outside and immerse themselves in the great outdoors to support looking after mental health. At Alexandra Park this is not a new approach, with the children taking part in the Daily Mile run every week.

They are able to make use of Alexandra Park which is just a stone's throw away from the school building. The children regularly are able to take part in activities which use the park such as bootcamp and orienteering. 

She added: "It's important to look after mental health just like we would physical health. Getting out of school and doing the Daily Mile every week benefits metal health just as much as physical health!"

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