What is mental health?

The World Health Organisation defines mental health as a state of wellbeing in which every individual achieves their potential, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act.

Good mental health and wellbeing is just as important as good physical health. Like physical health, mental health can range across a spectrum from healthy to unwell; it can fluctuate on a daily basis and change over time.

Most children grow up mentally healthy, but surveys suggest that more children and young people have problems with their mental health today than 30 years ago. It is thought that this is probably because of changes in the way that we live now and how that affects the experience of growing up.

At St Mark’s we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all our pupils, we understand the importance of supporting mental health and well-being.

What happens in school?

In school, we teach children about what it means to have good mental health and wellbeing throughout our curriculum and daily practice.

Our PSHE curriculum focuses specifically on developing children’s social and emotional skills which can prevent poor mental health from developing and help all children cope effectively with setbacks and remain healthy. It is about helping children to understand and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviour and build skills that help them to thrive, such as working in a team, persistence, resilience and self-awareness.

Our whole school approach consists of a range of strategies to promote positive mental health and well-being, including:

• Mental health education
• Positive school culture
• Access to support
• Staff well-being
• Partnerships with mental health organisations
• Well-being activities

By adopting a whole school approach to mental health, we aim to create a nurturing and supportive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to prioritise their mental well-being.

At St Mark’s Primary school children have the opportunity to become a Mental Health Champion for 2 terms during the school year. This involves:

1. Learning about what Mental Health is.
2. Promote mental health and well-being within their class.
3. Litter picking.
4. Take part in visiting our local assisted living centre.
5. Improve mental health and well-being support at St Mark’s
6. Take part, create, and support activities for Mental health UK and Anti-bullying campaigns.
7. Take part in whole school assemblies.
8. Learn mindfulness and strategies to help feel calm as well as grounding techniques.
9. Share learning with their class.