Wellacre Wellbeing Ambassadors Offer Support

Posted at 11:17 am on 11th January, 2018

Wellacre appoints and trains Student Wellbeing Ambassadors 

Wellacre Academy is focusing on student mental health with newly appointed Student Wellbeing Ambassadors, a team of students who will underpin the school’s pastoral support system.

The group of Wellbeing Ambassadors, including students from Years 7 to 10, are available to speak with any students seeking help and have been trained to offer their support or advise them on sources of further guidance.

At Wellacre, we recognise the issues faced by our students and we are constantly working to provide key support, including designated and trained staff and peers, raising awareness throughout school of current mental health issues and create an understanding that students do not suffer from their personal issues alone, there is always someone to talk to.

Mr Irving, Pastoral Assistant and Student Wellbeing Ambassador Lead, said:

“We’re proud to introduce our Student Wellbeing Ambassadors, they are a group of students who recognise there are times that people need a little extra support for many different reasons.  Having students who are happy to help their peers and lend an ear, adds to our supportive environment which is at the core of Wellacre’s philosophy.”

Successful students were appointed after a rigorous application process which involved answering pertinent questions surrounding topics such as mental health, bullying, wellbeing, reflection and their own experiences of helping others.

Wellacre’s Student Wellbeing Ambassadors will have a range of responsibilities including undertaking relevant training, working with students and staff to provide support and guidance to those that need it and to raise the profile of mental health awareness across the school.

Students have already received training from The Proud Trust on tackling LGBT phobia and celebrating all identities and in the new year will attend further training on Mental Health Awareness.

The Proud Trust said on Twitter following the training:

"Fantastic morning with the #LGBT ambassadors at @WellacreAcademy.  Some brilliant ideas for tackling LGBT phobia and celebrating all identities!"

Miss Melanie Wicks, Principal, said:

“Our Wellbeing Ambassadors will provide an important service to the students at Wellacre, creating a supportive network for those who want to talk about how they feel or if they think a fellow student needs help.”  

In Wellacre’s most recent Ofsted report (2017), it was recognised that the school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is good.  Ofsted found that Wellacre is highly inclusive and welcoming, and that equality of opportunity is promoted strongly and discrimination is not tolerated.