It is Mental Health Awareness Week and it has been a thought provoking kind of day. It started with a photography shoot for publicity images showing day to day life at Woodhouse Grove; children chatting happily to their friends, teachers and pupils engaged in lessons, a fun games lesson. A great way to be reminded how privileged we all are to be working and learning at The Grove.

But with this privilege comes a responsibility to acknowledge and care for the individuals that make up this wonderful community – individuals with lives that sometimes do not feel as perfect as a glossy publicity image. A responsibility to help them learn how to cope with these imperfections, to teach them that, actually…

It’s OK not to be OK

…and that there are people at The Grove who are always ready to listen and help.

And that’s where The Hub – our peer drop-in centre – comes in. Open every lunchtime and manned by trained staff and sixth formers, The Hub is a place where students of all ages can come to chat about any problems or concerns that they might have – school related or otherwise. Worries raised cover a multitude of subjects; exam or homework stress, friendship and relationship issues, sexuality, family tensions and divorce and mental health.

Rebecca Vernon, Head of Wellbeing and PSHE and a fully trained Mental Health First Aider said:

“A child may come in to The Hub and just sit on the beanbags and chat to others in the room without actually mentioning what is worrying them. Sometimes it is enough to know they are not alone – and some lovely friendships have blossomed here. In other instances, it may take a number of these casual visits before a child feels comfortable enough to approach a member of staff or a sixth former to talk about a specific problem.”

In a recent well-being survey, pupils commented that they would like The Hub to be also open at break time and before and after school – so that they can visit even if they have co-curricular activities at lunchtime – illustrating both how much this resource is valued and the emotional intelligence of our pupils.

Kim Basra and Annabel Crossley, Year 13  have acted as Sixth Form Hub helpers since September:

“We wish The Hub had been around when we were younger – we would definitely have used it. Being a Hub helper gives us insight into the lower years of The Grove and breaks down any barriers they might feel exist between the sixth form and the rest of the school. It is really rewarding to chat to someone about their problems and help them feel better. And then when you see them around the school, they give you a smile!”

So, whilst the photographer clicks away, capturing idyllic moments of Grove life, it is good to know that the happy, smiley children pictured know that there is always somewhere to go should those smiles ever feel difficult to achieve. That in a cosy room, just above the library, there is a safe haven where worries can be shared and emotional burdens lightened. In some ways, The Hub epitomizes what The Grove is all about: I am an Individual…yet I am part of something incredible. I am Grovian.

>>>>>With exams on the horizon, Mrs. Vernon has put together an Exam Stress help guide. Click here.<<<<<