Ridgeway Students Join National Push for Mental Wellbeing
The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College recently took part in Children’s Mental Health Week – a nationwide initiative led by charity Place2Be. This year’s focus? Helping young people build stronger connections and feel like they truly belong.
Why “This Is My Place” Matters
The official theme, “This Is My Place”, spotlighted how important it is for teens to feel accepted – whether at home, with friends, or in school communities. Experts stress that knowing you belong somewhere isn’t just nice… it’s crucial for mental health.
Turning Ideas into Action
Schools across the trust got creative exploring what belonging means. At Ridgeway and others like Larkhill Primary, activities weren’t just talk – they gave students real tools to manage emotions.
Fire + Feelings = Freedom
Check out this powerful move from Larkhill’s Forest School: Students wrote down worries on paper, then safely tossed them into an outdoor fire. Why? To sort through what they can control (like studying for a test) vs. what they can’t (like bad weather ruining weekend plans). Watching those uncontrollable worries burn? Total metaphor for letting go.
More Than Just a Week
Place2Be’s message sticks around: Feeling seen and accepted in your spaces helps you thrive long-term. Ridgeway’s participation shows schools are getting serious about building environments where everyone feels they fit.
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