Over the Spring Term, JMHS’s Strong Young Minds Champions were raising awareness about Mental Health and reducing the stigma that surrounds it.
During Children’s Mental Health Week, 5-11 February 2018, the champions provided an information stand during a lunch time where students were able to access information. The stand was also for promoting the #meicanbe campaign and handing out flapjacks and fruit to those who participated. In addition, a teacher workshop took place after school.
House assemblies were held throughout the term where the champions promoted mental health and #beingourselves. In these assemblies, they spoke about mental health, released results from a recent whole school survey and informed students where to get help and support if they need it. They also showed multiple videos about raising awareness of mental health and the similarities and differences between us.
During March, all of the Strong Young Minds Champions, from around Herefordshire, were nominated in the Youth Champion category at the Hereford Community Champions Awards. Three of our members (Georgie Westaway, Zack Godfrey and Millie McCarthy) attended the awards and represented the champions. They were thrilled to win the award in the Youth Category. They received a trophy, certificate and £500 to invest in raising more awareness, reducing the stigma and helping others.
Following on from the awards, the Deputy Mayor of Ledbury, Councillor Keith Francis, visited the JMHS champions for a meeting about their work and accomplishments. In the future, the Strong Young Minds Champions plan to run an LGBTQ+ workshop at the Hay festival. They are also planning on running a stall at the Ledbury Community day.
Congratulations to all the students who are part of the Strong Young Minds project and special thanks to their coordinator Patricia Sarmiento.
