In this day and age, it’s never been more important we look after our wellbeing, which makes Thornhill Academy’s latest endeavour even more special!
The co-educational secondary school, based in Sunderland, recently announced the opening of its new Wellbeing Centre – a dedicated space designed to provide essential advice, support, and guidance to students and their families.
This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing the overall wellbeing of its school community, so it has the backing of Schools North East in its entirety.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “This is a brilliant approach to a crucial topic, and we want to congratulate everyone involved in such an amazing initiative.
“Mental health challenges continue to grow each year, and it’s now expected that 20 percent of adolescents may experience a mental health problem in any given year. If we want our students to thrive and exceed expectations, we need to actively support their mental and emotional wellbeing.
“With this kind of environment available to them, we hope Thornhill Academy’s students and families feel some relief and perhaps a bit of weight off their shoulders. Even if they don’t need the services now, just knowing it’s available to them should offer some comfort.
“Now to just replicate this across every school in the North East…”
Group sessions and one-to-one support available
Schools play such a pivotal role as primary points of contact for young people and families, which is why the Wellbeing Centre aims to increase awareness about available resources, and streamline access to a range of support services.
As a region, we need to continue our efforts in breaking down barriers, talking about mental health, and abolishing the harmful stigma; this facility will act as nurturing and calming space to do exactly that.
The Wellbeing Centre will host a range of professionals and agencies, offering group sessions, personalised one-on-one interventions, and open drop-in services.
Thornhill has a diverse community with different needs, and so the centre will adapt and expand services, as required, to meet those different needs.
Everyone deserves additional wellbeing support when they need it, and no one should be made to feel like they have nowhere to turn to. Especially our region’s youth.
Currently, students have already benefited from youth drug and alcohol advice, counselling, health-related support, and guidance on healthy relationships.
Excellent opportunities for partnerships with charities
Thornhill Academy has partnered with esteemed organisations such as mental health charity Washington MIND, and Together for Children’s ‘Early Help’ initiative, to empower families and C-card advice, enabling easy access to free contraception for young people.
Additionally, the school provides support services related to youth drug and alcohol concerns, and there’s even a school nurse onsite.
To cater to the evolving needs of its students and the wider Sunderland community it serves, the centre is actively seeking new partnerships and interventions.
Students have the freedom to discreetly access support by scanning QR codes placed throughout the school premises, or by approaching any staff member. In a similar way, families seeking guidance can reach out to the school directly and speak to a member of its dedicated pastoral team.
Sue Hamilton, Head Teacher at Thornhill Academy, part of Consilium Academies, said: “This initiative reflects Thornhill School’s unwavering commitment to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for all its school community.
“Good mental health is fundamental to learning and thriving. We want every student to feel valued and empowered to excel academically and personally. We’re not just fostering successful learners; we’re shaping resilient individuals ready to face life’s challenges with confidence and compassion.”
Well done to everybody involved in creating this centre. We’re confident that it’ll change many young lives for the better, and that’s something well worth celebrating.
Thornhill Academy is a Schools North East Partner School . If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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