Pupils at a Leeds school are getting help with their mental health and wellbeing thanks to a new partnership between Leeds Rhinos Foundation and youth charity Brathay Trust.
Ten teenagers from Brigshaw High School in Allerton Bywater, are half way through a six week programme of workshops covering team building, being healthy, positive relationships, keeping safe and understanding emotions.
Fozia Nazneen, who is working with the youngsters says the highly tailored support is beginning to make a difference. She said: “The programme is all about empowering the young people to make positive life choices by giving them a chance to talk and discover more about themselves and their issues. The sessions are a mix of classroom and physical activity and usually start with chat about how Leeds Rhinos are doing. The teenagers learn some great life skills through the ball sports including; working as a team and with people you don’t know, and how recognising strengths and weaknesses help build relationships and resilience.
“It has been fantastic to see one youngster, who was almost invisible in the early sessions, grow in confidence. And much of that is because the group are learning how to encourage and support each other. There have also been some good discussions and awareness raising around mental health labels.
“Without this type of extra intervention some of them would continue to find it difficult to participate in class or to make friends. If a young person’s wellbeing is seriously compromised, so is their ability to focus on their learning and achieve their potential. It’s something everyone wants to avoid.
“Schools have always been on the front line of children's mental health, increasingly so now. We hope this new partnership means more Leeds youngsters will get the support they need.
“Next week Bob Bowman QPM, and Head of Operations at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, is setting off on his epic challenge to raise £25,000 by completing 15 marathons in 15 days. He aims to finish in front of the crowd at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Friday 26 May. Every donation made means we can help more young people so they don’t feel trapped by their situation.” added Fozia.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Bob Bowman’s challenge can visit his donation page https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/bobbowman15epicdays or text donate using BQPM50 (followed by the amount you want to donate) to 70070.