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24 May 2023
The Mental Health Foundation’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year ran from 15th to 21st May, is one of the world’s largest events dedicated to promoting mental health.
Since 2021, in recognition of the importance of mental health to its community, Burgess Hill Girls has been organising its own wellbeing week to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week. Throughout the week staff and students at the independent school take part in various activities aimed at fostering support, self-care, and wellness.
This year’s event encompassed a diverse range of activities catering to different segments of the community. Nursery and Pre-Prep children took part in Little Kickers football workshops, while girls in the Prep School learned about the importance of health and hygiene, got active with Hip Hop Dance workshops, and created birthday cards for Jasper, the school dog. Senior School students relaxed body and mind with reflexology, tai chi, and meditation sessions. Sixth Formers organised an identity day, allowing students to express their individuality through unique outfits. Staff members were treated to culinary delights, a coffee van, and wellbeing talks. Furthermore, parents of students were invited to attend a sleep seminar.
Finally, on Thursday, the 18th of May, the entire school participated in the Mental Health Foundation’s “Wear it Green Day,” raising over £750 for the charity.
Nikki Donson, Assistant Head Pastoral and Boarding at Burgess Hill Girls, was delighted to see the whole community taking part in such an important week:
“Whilst we take wellbeing into account every day at the school, for our community it is really important to have a whole week dedicated to looking after each other and talking about mental health. The more we talk and engage in activity around mental health, the more I hope we break the stigmas, and it becomes a normal thing. Giving young people the right tools to prepare them for life and to be resilient can only be a positive thing.”
Students at Burgess Hill Girls were pleased to see the importance of mental health being recognised by their school.
Innes, Year 8, said:
“It was fun and interesting week, the session which we had on big feelings was really good and the person who delivered it was a really good communicator, and the session helped me understanding my emotions a little more.”
Annabelle, Year 9, agreed:
“It was a good time to reflect on the importance of our wellbeing, and the effect it has on our physical and mental health. My favourite session was the Tai Chi as it was something very different from what we had experienced before.”
