Omega Multi-Academy Trust schools united this February to mark Children's Mental Health Week, embracing the theme ‘This is My Place’, which encourages self-acceptance and belonging. Each school planned unique activities, fostering environments where students felt valued and included.

Great Sankey High School: Creative Initiatives and Community Engagement

Great Sankey High School led a variety of initiatives to promote wellbeing and inclusion. Wellbeing ambassadors spent the week selling roses, heart-shaped lollipops, and messages, culminating in a Friday tuck shop that raised over £135. Art and Food departments launched competitions running beyond half-term, inviting continued participation from students.

The school welcomed visitors including Warrington Youth Workers, CGL, and Axess, who engaged Year 9 and BHC students in interactive activities such as ‘beer goggles’ and important discussions on drugs, alcohol, healthy relationships, and their impact on mental health. Lunchtime activities signposted services like Warrington Youth Zone, Kooth, and Young Carers, ensuring students were aware of support available.

Safer Internet Day assemblies addressed the effects of AI on mental health, building on previous workshops from the Young Carers team. KS3 students enjoyed wellbeing walks during form time, lunchtime meditation sessions in the Sports Hall led by Mrs Heyes, and relaxing reading in the library overseen by Mrs Clemson. Year 7 pupils visited Warrington Youth Zone to learn about their social, physical, and mental health support, including the Youth in Mind counselling service.

 

Alsop High School: Powerful Performances and Award-Winning Advocacy

Alsop High School participated in the annual NOW Festival, held at Liverpool Epstein Theatre, coinciding with Children’s Mental Health Week. Student-led performances powerfully highlighted the impact of bullying and assumptions on mental health, exploring how such challenges affect behaviour and the barriers young people face when seeking support. The message reinforced that words and actions matter and stressed the need for compassionate support.

The school showcased its Mental Health & Wellbeing Team, supportive staff, and partnerships with organisations such as Everton in the Community, YPAS, CAMHS, LGBTQ+ services, and local food banks. Their hopeful message—moving from darkness into light with the right support—resonated with audiences, earning Alsop High the award for Best Mental Health Message of the evening. Students were praised for their confidence and exemplary conduct.

Park Road: Mindfulness and Community Art

Park Road marked Children’s Mental Health Week by welcoming their Schools Link Mental Health Awareness Team for workshops with parents and mindfulness sessions with pupils. Classes explored the theme ‘this is my place’ and the importance of belonging. The school’s Happiness Team organised a collaborative artwork project, creating a mural celebrating each child’s unique contribution to the community.

To conclude the week, Park Road hosted its own rock concert with Rock Kidz, where staff and pupils dressed as rock stars and performed together, fostering fun and unity throughout the school.

Chapelford Village Primary School: Skipping for Wellbeing

Chapelford Village Primary School celebrated Children’s Mental Health Week with energetic workshops led by Skipping Ninja. Pupils challenged themselves to improve their skipping skills, collaborating with friends and aiming to beat personal bests, demonstrating determination, resilience and teamwork. The sessions underscored the role of physical activity in supporting mental health and received enthusiastic feedback from all involved.

Alongside the physical activities, children reflected on their support networks, considering where and how they belong. The school fostered open conversations about belonging and validated each pupil’s feelings, emphasising Chapelford’s commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive community for all families.

Trust-wide Commitment

This is just a look at the ways a few of our schools, both primary and secondary, committed to care, wellbeing and inclusion for every child.  Across Omega Multi-Academy Trust, Children’s Mental Health Week was marked by creativity and compassion. Schools championed self-acceptance and belonging, ensuring every child felt supported and valued, both this week and beyond.