Y4 Mindmate
Year 4 recently took part in a valuable and thoughtfully delivered session led by professionals from Mindmate, focusing on how we can look after our mental health and wellbeing.
During the workshop, the children explored what mental health is and why it is just as important to care for our minds as it is to look after our bodies. Through clear explanations and age-appropriate discussion, the Mindmate team helped the children to understand that feelings such as worry and anxiety are a normal part of life and something that everyone experiences at different times.
The session placed a strong emphasis on recognising the signs of anxiety, both in ourselves and in others. Children were encouraged to think about how anxiety might show itself in the body or in our thoughts and feelings. Importantly, they were reassured that these feelings are not something to be frightened of, but signals that can help us understand ourselves better.
Practical strategies were shared to help the children calm themselves when they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. These included simple breathing techniques and ways to pause, reflect and reset, which can be used both in school and at home. The children were particularly engaged when discussing how these strategies could help them in everyday situations such as before a test, during a busy school day or when facing a challenge outside of school.
The session prompted thoughtful questions and mature reflection from the children, showing just how relevant and meaningful this learning was for them. We are grateful to the Mindmate team for delivering such an important message in a supportive and accessible way, and for helping our pupils develop the tools they need to care for their mental health now and in the future.
