Hartpury C of E Primary School

Mental Health and Well-Being

We believe passionately in the value of children learning how to support positive mental health.  We want them to understand that times can be challenging in all our lives, but that we can do something about it! Support for wellbeing and positive mental health education is woven throughout our provision - through the PSHE curriculum, in collective worships and special events.  Below are just some of the ways that we help our children to understand more about wellbeing and mental health.  

The recent Coronavirus pandemic has resulted in heightened concern about mental health for many.  The NHS has developed the following site to advise parents and families on supporting their children's mental health.  Check it out for some excellent information and guidance:

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters

Five Ways to Well-Being

1. Connect

There is strong evidence that indicates that feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world.

It’s clear that social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health for people of all ages.

With this in mind, try to do something different today and make a connection.

2. Be active

Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.

Exercise is essential for slowing age-related cognitive decline and for promoting well-being.

But it doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good - slower-paced activities, such as walking, can have the benefit of encouraging social interactions as well providing some level of exercise.

3. Take notice

Reminding yourself to ‘take notice’ can strengthen and broaden awareness.

Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your well-being and savouring ‘the moment’ can help to reaffirm your life priorities.

Heightened awareness also enhances your self-understanding and allows you to make positive choices based on your own values and motivations.

4. Learn

Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the opportunity to engage in work or educational activities particularly helps to lift older people out of depression.

The practice of setting goals, which is related to adult learning in particular, has been strongly associated with higher levels of wellbeing.

5. Give

Participation in social and community life has attracted a lot of attention in the field of wellbeing research.

Individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.

Research into actions for promoting happiness has shown that committing an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing.