Marsh students champion mental health debate

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

The pilot project at Marsh Academy, near Folkestone 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.

Adam Bloomfield, from the school’s senior leadership team said: “

Mental health is a real issue across our nation, especially with our teenagers, so to have this opportunity for our young people to work as Ambassadors with South Kent Mind was so important we jumped at the chance. It’s given our students really good insights into mental health strategies and how we are going to share this message amongst our students and the wider community.

Nina French, Progression Coach from Think Forward, said: “I’ve really noticed a great improvement in the students’ confidence. Students love been advocates for mental health.”

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 Marsh 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

• South Kent Mind is asking the public to stage fundraising events to help it expand the Ambassadors Project to more schools. Email contact@southkentmind.org.uk for more information.