Being physically active is instrumental in improving our wellbeing through the release of endorphins and connecting with others.  Combined with mindfulness and meditation, learn about ways you can promote total wellbeing in your school.

---

Why is it important?

Wellbeing is defined as 'the state of feeling healthy and happy'.  The pandemic has seen a significant rise in mental health issues in children and young people. There has never been a greater need for schools to promote wellbeing whether through healthy eating, physical activity, mindfulness or meditation.

The benefits of this approach include:

• Enhancing pupils' mental health
• Improving self esteem
• Increasing resilience in young people
• Improving trust levels

---

Wellbeing Free Resources

With mental health high on the agenda and childhood obesity on the rise, schools play an important role in supporting pupils' wellbeing.

Free resources you might like to try or signpost your pupils to, include:

• Visit the Youth Sport Trust and School Games Active Recovery Hub for over 250 activity ideas.  These help to boost activity before, during and after school.  Resources can be filtered by age and when the activity is planned to happen.
• Join Young Minds 360 degree Schools' Community.  Find free tips, advice and teaching resources to support children's mental health.
• Access online peer to peer support with Mind.
• Visit the NSPCC for support and tips to help keep children safe. From advice on children’s mental health to staying safe online, support for parents and what to do if you’re worried about a child.
• Manage student anxiety with Yoga with Adriene.
• Find videos to help build mental health resilience with Mental Health UK. Each video focuses on a topic that young people have highlighted as important to them and supports building their resilience through suggested tools and techniques.
• Access videos and tutorials with Snow-Camp.  Their mental health campaign also offers 1-1 counselling sessions in partnership with Shout.  
• Text 85258 if you you are struggling to cope or need to talk to a trained Shout volunteer.
• Get help and support for addiction treatment with OK Rehab.  Whether you are looking to self-refer or are a concerned teacher, parent or friend, their support workers can offer guidance.

---

Case studies

If you are looking for evidence of how beneficial it can be to promote wellbeing in school, take a look at the case studies below:

• Read about the impact being active had on girls as part of the This Girl Can campaign.

• Read the latest views and statistics from parents about wellbeing in school.

---

For more information

Please contact:

Claire Mansfield