Creating Health and Wellbeing Champions

Posted at 10:17 am on 7th February, 2023

Former British Boxing Champion Delivers Active in Mind Programme

Wellacre welcomed the return of former British boxer and Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Courtney Fry, to deliver the Youth Sport Trust’s Active in Mind programme.

Active in Mind aims to equip students with the tools to support and manage their health and wellbeing.

Year 9 and 10 students were invited to attend the first workshop with athlete mentor Courtney,  to train as Health and Wellbeing Champions and mentors to their peers.  

  

They took part in a package of training to help students develop and build confidence, manage physical and emotional wellbeing and achieve their potential in school and in life through physical activity and life skills.

Athlete mentor, Courtney Fry, said:

“I work with a lot of students and this group of Wellacre students have impressed me, their active listening and understanding of mental health are excellent. 

  

“As mentors they will help, support and bring the session activities to life for their peers. They will use empathy and understanding the pressures young people face to help them combat their feelings.” 

Alongside Courtney, the Health and Wellbeing Champions hosted a second workshop for Year 7 and 8 students. Courtney shared his own experiences of managing stress and anxiety when performing at elite level to support students in managing stress and anxiety.

As a group, they discussed physical activity, diet and lifestyle, and tried mindfulness activities as tools to improve wellbeing and help reduce stress and anxiety.  They also developed their own personal plans for using physical activity, lifestyle choices and coping strategies.

Mr Pemberton, Vice Principal for Welfare and Wellbeing, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Courtney back for the Active in Mind programme and to see students set positive goals for themselves.  As a school, we place great value on equipping students with coping mechanisms to help reduce stress and anxiety.  When students feel more confident, happy and supported, we see improvements in their academic attainment.”

  

Courtney will return in six weeks time for a second workshop with the Health and Wellbeing Champions, and he will also meet with the Year 7 and 8 students to reflect on their progress.