St Luke’s Students Take the Lead as Mental Health Champions
Students at St Luke’s Church of England Schoolhave taken part in an inspiring session to develop skills for supporting their own mental health and that of their peers.
The workshop was led by Paula Baker, from HeadsUP Mental Health Awareness CIC, a Devon-based charity that helps young people build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.
During the session, students explored personal strengths, learned strategies for looking after their mental health, and discussed ways to support friends and classmates.
Students discussed a wide range of factors they feel can affect their mental health, both in school and outside of it, before putting forward their own ideas about how the school can best support them in managing these challenges. Many of the points raised highlighted existing support already in place, which was reassuring for school leaders to hear. One of the most significant measures identified by students was the use of Yondr pouches, with many expressing that social media has the greatest impact on their mental health and that limiting phone use during the school day has been particularly beneficial.
St Luke’s, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, places a strong emphasis on both academic achievement and pastoral support, aiming to provide students with the guidance, resources, and care to help them thrive in and out of the classroom. As part of this, the school offers a range of support, from Poppy the therapy dog to wellbeing drop-ins and access to the school counsellor, and student Mental Health Ambassadors have played a vital role in strengthening student support services.
Last year the school was awarded the Bronze Mental Health Charter Mark, a recognition of their strong and ongoing commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of both students and staff.
Mr Harrison Littler, headteacher at St Luke’s C of E School, said:
“Our thanks go to Paula for leading such a useful and insightful session. Learning how to look after themselves and support others is an important part of school life, and our students approached it with genuine enthusiasm and thoughtfulness.”
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:
“Workshops like this highlight the importance of providing students with tools to build the resilience and confidence they need to look after their wellbeing and care for each other. We’re proud of the students and staff at St Luke’s for their continued work to strengthen their inclusive and compassionate culture and this workshop is an important step in ensuring every student feels equipped to thrive both in and out of the classroom.”
