SCHOOL CHILDREN have been sharing their positive mindsets with the community helping to bring cheer to parents, elderly residents, local businesses and even lifeboat crews.
Pupils from Barnard Castle Preparatory School spent Wellbeing Week boosting their mental health and lifting spirits in the community.
Every day the children took part in a range of activities designed to fortify their resilience and give them the tools to cope with modern living.
Move It Monday saw them take to the sports hall for a fun workout, while Teamwork Tuesday involved them in drama rehearsals for their House Drama productions.
We Like to Help Wednesday came in the form of a bric-a-brac sale of toys, books, jigsaws, games, organised by the school council, which raised £297 for the RNLI charity after children were inspired by the country’s first all-female lifeboat crew at Cullercoats in Northumberland.
Thoughtful Thursday encouraged pupils to have a kind word for the people around them and they also produced special cards featuring positive messages to send out to elderly residents of local homes as well as businesses in the town.
Friendship Friday reinstated traditional games to the playground including the farmer in the den, oranges and lemons and what’s the time Mr Wolf?
Deputy head (pastoral) Lianne Taylor said: “If you ask an adult what mental health means they are likely to say depression, stress and anxiety. But for the children it is a much more positive thing such as yoga or learning new skills.
“The aim of the week was to raise the profile and positivity of mental health and wellbeing and to give the children a mindset that will allow them to cope with any difficult times.
“It has helped them learn about themselves and develop their emotional intelligence so they can self-regulate and work out what strategies work for them should they feel upset.
“This month is also hard for adults, with the lack of sunlight, the wind, rain and cold and a simple kind word can make such a difference. Instead of just making cards for local homes we are also sending them to businesses to rekindle connections with the community that were lost during COVID.”