Mental health champions from Ings Farm Primary School in Redcar travelled to the Houses of Parliament this week (Wednesday, October 8) to find out how Parliament works and to help raise awareness of mental health and the importance of emotional wellbeing – ahead of World Mental Health Day today, October 10.
The visit, part of a programme led by South Tees Public Health’s HeadStart service, supports schools across Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough to build resilient school communities and provide young people with the tools to achieve emotional wellbeing.
The Primary school pupils, who travelled together to London by train, enjoyed a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament followed by a workshop on the workings of Parliament. The experience was designed to improve the children’s understanding of democracy as well as reinforce the message that every voice matters – regardless of age.
Ings Farm Primary School pupil, Hattie Young (pictured), aged 10, said:
“We can be inspired by London, our capital and they can be inspired by us HeadStarters!”
Luca Camfield (pictured) also aged 10, added:
“On Friday it’s World Mental Health Day but for us, HeadStarters, every day is mental health day.”
Cabinet Member for Health, Welfare and Housing, Cllr Ursula Earl, explained:
“What a wonderful opportunity this is for these young people who are happy to speak openly about what mental health means to them and how their school and local services support them.
“It is a great example of how children and young people can help lead positive change when given the opportunity and support.”
A key part of the HeadStarters Educational Pathway training is to empower pupils to become mental health champions in their schools and communities.
The pupils at Ings Farm Primary are already making an impact, having met the Mayor at a network event last year and then inviting the Mayor back to visit their school to learn more about what they are doing – and now they have taken their message to Westminster.
The theme of World Mental Health Day this year is the importance of protecting mental health and that everyone deserves good mental health.