West Lakes Academy students mark mental health awareness week

Mental Health Awareness Week took place from 15 to 21 May, with an official focus this year on anxiety. Students at the Egremont academy looked at how anxiety can affect people, what external factors can trigger this strong response, and what they can do to relieve their own anxiety and how to get support if needed.

Students then took part in a range of different activities over the course of the week, including taking the time to write out positive and encouraging messages to brighten someone’s day, in the form of a ‘message in a bottle.’

Students wrote out positive and encouraging messages to brighten someone’s day, in the form of a ‘message in a bottle' (Image: Changing Lives Learning) They also learned about the benefits of mindfulness and took part in some mindful colouring, made origami birds and created mind maps filled with tips to relieve anxiety. 

Assistant Principal, Vicky Stabler said: “It’s crucial that we support our young people and raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

"As an academy we are also passionate about giving our young people the tools to help themselves, but also the forum where they can openly talk and share their feelings without the worry of stigma.

"We all have mental health, and our task as a school is to support the students.”

Year 10 student Amelia said: “We had the opportunity to focus on an activity this week that we felt would best support our mental health. I created a message in a bottle and my message was designed to inspire others and make them feel positive or show them that we understand the impacts of anxiety.”

Year 10 student Kai said: “It’s been important to focus on mental health and wellbeing. Anxiety can be a difficult issue for young people with challenges such as exam stress. It’s great to discuss coping strategies.”