Plymouth Pupils Explore Mental Health and Belonging

Pupils at Drake Primary Academy, part of the Reach South Academy Trust, are taking part in a range of activities for Children’s Mental Health Week.

This year’s official theme, This is My Place, encourages pupils to think about belonging and how everyone can feel valued. The week includes a special assembly exploring the theme, as well as five days of classroom activities, including creating personal maps to identify the people, places, and activities where they feel they belong.

This week’s events are part of a UK-wide initiative led by the children’s charity Place2Be, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of children and young people’s mental health.

Drake Primary Academy also benefits from ongoing mental health support from Livewell Southwest, including workshops, focus groups, and one-to-one sessions for pupils needing extra help. Livewell Southwest works with schools in Plymouth to embed a whole-school approach to positive emotional health and wellbeing and provides an early intervention step for children who need extra support.

Jacqueline Stephens, Executive Headteacher at Drake Primary Academy, said: “Mental Health Week gives our pupils the chance to reflect on what makes them feel included and valued. The activities support them in thinking about their own wellbeing and the importance of supporting one another.”