On Tuesday, 125 Year 9 students from the OX14 Learning Partnership Schools participated in a dedicated wellbeing event, SupportED at Abingdon. The event featured five wellbeing workshops and a keynote address by Jamie Denyer, the Grief Preacher. Students also heard from the Peer Support Leads, Sixth form students who have been trained to support younger students with their wellbeing.
This collaborative initiative brought students together to learn about and prioritise their mental and emotional health. The workshops covered topics based on the NHS’s 5 Ways to Wellbeing such as yoga and being present, mindful crafts, keeping active, making healthy connections and the importance of giving. The sessions offered practical strategies for supporting wellbeing and the interactive format allowed for active participation and collaboration.
Keynote speaker Jamie Denyer, an expert in youth wellbeing, shared his powerful story providing inspiring insights and emphasising the importance of mental health. His address reassured students that seeking support is a sign of strength.
Bringing together students from different schools fostered peer learning and helped normalise mental health discussions. This collaborative effort supports the partnership’s core aim and recognition of supporting wellbeing, empowering these Year 9 students with valuable life skills and strategies.
Feedback from the students has been positive, one student said ‘The inspirational speeches were amazing, lots of lessons were learned.’ and another stated ‘It was a brilliant event, very useful. Jamie was fantastic and inspiring.’
Thank you to all involved in the planning and running of the event and to the staff and students who attended the event.
