Publish date: 28 October 2021
Local primary schools around Warrington, Widnes and Runcorn took part in all sorts of activities around World Mental Health Day this year.
We supported the schools by providing them with mental health awareness packs that they were able to utilise within their own assemblies and workshops. The charity team also visited schools to chat to the children, who shared their own thoughts and ideas about how they wish to support themselves and those around them with regards to mental health.
One of the schools that really got involved was Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Warrington. They had children across all years, from Reception to Year 6, taking part in activities and learning about mental health. Examples of activities for the older students included guided meditation and taking part in a ‘Healthy Mind and Body’ session with coaches from Liverpool Football Club, whereas younger students focused on mindfulness colouring, creating colour monsters to represent their feelings and outdoor nature walks. The school also managed to raise £158 for WHH Charity by holding a ‘Rainbow Dress-up’ themed day where everyone came to school wearing bright, positive colours.
St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School in Penketh also had a ‘Rainbow Day’ and completed various activities focused around mental health. We also visited the school on Tuesday 12th October to lead an assembly highlighting to the pupils the importance of looking after their mental health.
The last year has really seen a light shone onto mental health in our communities. Young people have all been affected by the uncertainty and disruption to their young lives. We are extremely passionate about encouraging young people of all ages to have conversations about their feelings and hopefully provide some ideas on how to self-help and know where to seek help from.
Other schools that participated include Newchurch Community Primary School in Culcheth, Runcorn All Saints C of E Primary School and St John Fisher Catholic Primary School in Widnes, the latter of which had their very own ‘Rainbow Day’ on Friday 15th October, where children dressed in bright colours with a focus on art and mental health. St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School in Latchford did something slightly different by having a ‘Rainbow socks’ day, where all students wore colourful, jazzy socks with their uniforms to accompany their in-class mental health workshops and activities.
In total, the primary schools raised a collective £358 for their local hospitals, all of which will go directly towards helping patients and their families.
