Wrexham primary school children learn how to look after their mental health

Hundreds of primary school children from across Wrexham recently had the chance to learn more about ways they can improve their mental health and wellbeing at a special event.

More than 300 pupils from across the borough took part in a range of fun activities during the all-day event at Erddig Hall, including Tai Chi, team sports, a daily mile, bush craft, problem solving exercises and a mindful walk.

The event is part of wider multi-agency efforts to prevent mental ill health and develop resilience in children and young adults amid a steep rise in referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) across Wales.

It was organised by a local partnership of organisations who are working to promote wellbeing in education settings, including CAMHS, Public Health Wales, the Caia Park Health Team, Ysgol Bryn Alyn; The Rofft Primary School; Ysgol Tanyfron, and the Inspire Youth Work team in conjunction with the National trust in Erddig.

Over the last 12 months, the group have delivered a range of workshops, staff sessions and parents’ evenings with the aim of providing schools with the tools to support the individual needs of their pupils.

This work has focussed on the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, a set of evidence-based messages aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of the whole population. Research shows that focusing on being active, taking notice, learning, giving, and connecting with others can have a positive impact on personal wellbeing.

Claire Woodcock from BCUHB’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service said: “It’s important not only to respond to young people needing specialist mental health care, but to teach all children the coping skills required to manage everyday stresses in order to stay mentally well.

“We want to encourage children to think of the five ways to wellbeing as their mental health equivalent to 5 fruit and veg a day. It’s really important that they have their daily dose.”

Nia Thomas from BCUHB Local Public Health Team added: “Our hope is that following the success of this event, the children will take the five ways to wellbeing message back home to their families, and continue to build on this at home as well as in school.”

Katie Rees-Jones from Erddig Hall said: “It has been wonderful to work in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to deliver this event aimed at supporting the wellbeing of local school pupils.

“It was fantastic to see so many young people enjoying the outdoors here at Erddig and exploring the ways in which this special place can impact positively on their mental health.

“There’s so much pressure on children today, so it’s nice to let them focus on what they are grateful for and live in the present”.

For further information on the 5 Ways to Wellbeing please visit the BCUHB website.