This month in the College our pastoral themes focus on mental and physical wellbeing. These topics are being explored during morning Assemblies and House Meetings.  At an Assembly last week, Dr Breen demonstrated to the boys the difference between physical and mental pressure with a simple exercise. She asked two students to join her at the front and while she was talking, started piling heavy books, large files, hockey sticks and other items on one of the students to carry. It was clear that as she kept adding these items the student was struggling to hold on to them. The onlooking student who had nothing to carry, was concerned that his friend had too much to hold on to and reached out to help. Dr Breen showed that physical pressures are easy to spot while mental ones are hidden. If you don't speak up, your concerns can go unnoticed and you won't receive the help you need.

Monday 10th October marked Mental Health Day. Assemblies were set up this week to focus on mental health with the message that ‘It's OK not to feel OK' - everyone will feel this way at some point and it's important to speak up and share your concerns with someone you trust. Two Year 14 Wellbeing Ambassadors joined the conversation. Robbie, (Dobbin's), noted that as boys, it can be hard to share when things are not going well, but everyone faces challenges and sometimes a run of small setbacks can suddenly pile on the pressure and before you know it, you are struggling. Not getting onto a team you wanted to be part of, falling short on a grade or facing troubles at home are a range of experiences that can have an impact on your wellbeing. Along with encouraging pupils to speak up, Robbie encouraged everyone to check in with their friends. A simple 'how are you?' can make a big difference to someone without you realising it. 

Leo (Dobbin's) added that there is a team of Wellbeing Ambassadors who are only too happy to help. Additionally, there is a Wellbeing Lounge where pupils from Years 8-10 can go and connect with the Ambassadors and with one another during the morning break and at lunch. It's a lovely quiet place with comfy chairs and bean bags for pupils to have time out and connect while chatting or playing board games.

The Wellbeing Ambassadors raised funds this week for Young Minds, a charity that helps young people manage mental health issues. Click these links to find out more about our Wellbeing Ambassadors and the Young Minds charity.