EARLIER this month pupils at a Lower Earley primary school marked children’s mental health week.
Hawkedon Primary School planned a week of initiatives from Monday, February 7, to help children think about challenges they may face.
It was a campaign run by Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity that provides counselling, mental health support and training in schools.
Morning activities and assemblies had children talking about growth and discussing famous people who have overcome mental health challenges including Beethoven, Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder.
On the Friday, all 630 pupils at Hawkedon dressed to express, and chose an accessory of their choice to wear to school as a way to share their feelings, thoughts an ideas.
One pupil wore their unicorn ears to represent an animal that makes them smile. Teacher Miss Downes, wore a sunflower bucket hat as it was a present from her dad that makes her happy and her dad has the matching shirt.
And teacher Miss Field, donned a glittery face and wore sparkles to bring joy to those around her.
Other accessories included rainbow boots and knee-high socks, head boppers, hair dye and favourite jumpers.
Organiser of Hawkedon’s mental health week, Mrs Bibby said: “As a school, we understand the importance of children’s mental health and wellbeing.
“Children going through a difficult time or are struggling with how they are feeling can be upsetting. Our aim this week was to provide children with experiences and opportunities that can help reduce anxiety, as well as exploring our emotional growth and finding ways to help each other grow.
“The children and staff had a wonderful week and we celebrated with our Dress to Express Day on the Friday.”
