Academy launches Ambassadors’ Project

Students at a south Kent school have been appointed as ambassadors of a mental health charity.

The pilot project at Dover Christ Church Academy will see more than 20 students selected as ambassadors of South Kent Mind.

After undergoing a series of workshops focusing on topics including understanding anxiety, healthy relationships and how food affects mood, the students will work with the charity’s staff to deliver sessions to 150 students at the school. The ambassadors will also be the spokespeople for the initiative giving a young persons’ perspective on mental health issues captured on video and at presentations delivered to businesses, schools and charities in the town.

This week the formal launch of the pilot project took place with students stepping up to talk about the importance of de-stigmatising mental health.

Jenny Tomkins, from the school’s senior leadership team said: “The project’s been absolutely brilliant. Our students’ leadership skills have developed and blossomed through this.”

David Fretton, Progression Coach from Think Forward, said: “Although the South Kent Mind Ambassadors have only recently embarked on this project, it’s been wonderful to observe how they have begun to develop their knowledge and confidence in the themes the group is covering.”

Simon Dolby, CEO of South Kent Mind, said: “Supporting young people with mental health issues is incredibly important and we are so pleased we are able to support Dover Christ Church Academy. This initiative has an extra dimension because it gives students an opportunity to champion mental health in our community.”

A video interview with some of the first student ambassadors to be appointed is available to view on the South Kent Mind website.

The project will run until the autumn and is funded by the Co-op. To find out more visit southkentmind.org.uk/schools

• A fundraising fire walk is being staged by South Kent Mind to raise funds for its frontline work. To book a place or to find out more visit southkentmind.org.uk/firewalk