Published on: July 11, 2024
Mental Health Ambassadors at Holly House School in Chesterfield have ran their first ever set of wellbeing sessions, following weeks of preparation, and training from Compass Changing Lives.
Several weeks ago, students at Holly House School elected 4 of their number become Mental Health Ambassadors. Mental Health Ambassadors act as mental health advocates in their schools, which includes leading sessions and assemblies about mental health, and offering peer to peer support to other students.
Holly House School is a school in Chesterfield for children with specific social, emotional and mental health needs between the ages of 7-14. The Changing Lives Mental Health Support Team based in Kingsmead works with them to support their students, including training their new Mental Health Ambassadors.
The Kingsmead team at Compass Changing Lives led the elected Holly House ambassadors through a 6 week program where they were taught the information and skills they needed to undertake this important responsibility.
After completing the training, the Ambassadors developed a plan of support for Holly House, including Champion Sessions on Wednesday mornings and peer to peer support for students who need it.
At the end of June, the Ambassadors ran their first ever set of wellbeing sessions with the skills and techniques they learned. Students made “Worry Monsters”, colourfully decorated boxes where students can dispose of their worries by writing them on paper and slotting them into the monster’s mouth. As it was Pride Month, students also designed their own stylish pride t shirts.
Mark Smith, Deputy Head of Care at Holly House School, had the following to say:
“Laura & Sarah from Compass have delivered an amazing training package which the ambassadors have embraced throughout. On behalf of the school and the wellbeing team our thanks go out to Laura & Sarah for their commitment and thoroughly engaging sessions.
Once again many thanks to Laura and Sarah and our Ambassadors for their efforts in making Holly House School a more mentally healthy school.”