While academic success is a priority, the emotional well-being of our students sits at the very heart of our mission. The week was a powerful reminder that “it’s okay not to be okay,” and that at St Edmund’s, no one has to walk their path alone.
If you walked through our corridors, you would have seen a sea of green ribbons pinned to uniforms and lanyards. These ribbons served as a silent but powerful symbol of our collective support for mental health awareness. By wearing them, our students and staff sent a clear message: we are a community that listens, cares and refuses to let mental health be a taboo subject.
A highlight of the week was the incredible work of our Student Mental Health Champions. These dedicated peer leaders were available, offering a friendly face and a listening ear to anyone who needed a chat. Our champions did an outstanding job fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment for their fellow students.
This year’s national mental health theme, ‘This Is My Place’, was the focal point of our PSHE lessons. Students explored what it means to belong and how a positive community spirit can act as a safety net for our well-being. By building a culture of kindness and inclusivity, we ensure that every student feels this is truly their place—a place where they are seen, heard and valued.
To add a bit of joy to the week, we hosted a special ‘green snacks’ tuckshop. The tuckshop wasn’t just about the snacks; it was a hub of activity that encouraged students to take a break, step away from their screens and enjoy a moment of mindful connection with one another.
We are immensely proud of how our students engaged with the various activities. Mental health awareness isn’t just for one week of the year—it is an ongoing conversation. We encourage all students to continue looking out for one another and to remember that our support systems are always here.
