We currently have Mental Health Ambassadors in Year 6 and across the Key Stage 3 and 4.
After some intense training from the Changing Lives Team the team has been established.
They are taking part in activities throughout the year including Awareness Days and workshops with their peers.
Two of our pupils have described what they have done and why.
‘I applied for the Mental Health Ambassador role because my friend was harming herself and I wanted to know how I could help. I had to do a few weeks of training, which was during my Thursday lunch. We did about 5 or 6 sessions and we learned about what causes mental health problems, who we can talk to about them, and how we can overcome them. This included us going to Renew Cafe to talk to people who just want someone to listen to or talk to. We spoke with them and had an amazing time taking part in activities such as colouring, jigsaws and dominos. I had an amazing time and was able to listen to some amazing stories. We also sat outside of Cherry Tree and spoke to some people, not just about mental health, but also just generally. As part of our activities, we also went down to Bemrose Primary to talk to the Year 6s about their transition. We spoke to them about their nerves, issues and just generally about themselves. I enjoyed this because it was a new experience and I would definitely encourage anyone to join the mental health ambassadors. You never know who you could help or make feel better.’
Alishba Year 9
‘What made me want to be a Mental Ambassador were many things that included wanting to offer support and advice to young people like myself and help others at Bemrose that are struggling with school anxiety. When going to the Primary School, we also let them know that there is always someone to talk to and show them we also had similar worries to them.
In my journey of being a Mental Health Ambassador, I went to many meetings/trainings which helped me understand and develop my knowledge on helping people with their worries. When the training was over, we went to the Primary School for the afternoon and did activities to get to know them and to understand if they had any issues going on at home or school. I would say they enjoyed it a lot as well as me as it was nice getting to know them.’
Fatimah Year 8
Something made me go to Mental Health Training because it interested me to go there. In the training I learned so many new things that I didn’t know about. I got to go to Primary Bemrose to tell the children ‘do not worry about anything. We told them you’ll be fine in the Secondary and not to be scared of anything. You can do it, don’t worry.’
Zainab Year 8
During Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, the Secondary Phase we will be taking applications for more Mental Health Ambassadors to build the team.
‘I am one of the many mental health first aiders here at The Bemrose School.
The reason why I wanted to become a Mental Health First Aider is because I believe it’s in my nature to not only put people first but I care an awful lot about the students here.
If I can make even a slight difference towards our students with how their thinking or feeling within my role, then that is the best feeling in the world to me. That’s why I do what I do!’
