In these initial post pandemic years, our experience here at SGA is that the majority of ‘health’ concerns for young people revolve around their, or their friends’, mental health. Whilst the work of our pastoral team at SGA is day in and day out, awareness events such as Mental Health Week (MHW) which is being marked around the UK this week, are excellent opportunities to encourage and help our young people to think specifically around those issues which pervade their generation.
The Health Centre at St George’s is a vital if discreet hub of our school and its precious occupant, our Healthcare Professional Mrs Jones, is a valued member of the pastoral team who work throughout the week to care for every member of our SGA community. This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is focusing nationwide on anxiety, acknowledging that stress and worry are normal emotions for all. Over the last couple of weeks, Mrs Jones has been visiting different year groups during their Personal and Social Health Education (PSHE) lessons to talk particularly about how our pupils can be good friends to those who are anxious.
I think this week is a great opportunity for the girls to remember that taking time to listen to one another can lead to better communication between friends. Also, that by talking and listening to one another, they do not have to provide a 'fix', rather that offering support and seeking guidance together from someone who can help is enough.
Mrs Jones
Pupils have been thinking about:
What intentional listening looks like
Remembering to lay their phones aside and take out their earphones, recognising the things that distract them, so that they can listen to their friends properly
How to develop trust in friendships
How important it is to hold confidences carefully and not share them thoughtlessly with others.
How to ask good questions
For example using the ‘double ask’, not settling for the first ‘I’m fine’ but checking in again to confirm that that is really how their friend is feeling.
The best time and place to talk
Perhaps offering to go for a walk with a friend to ease the awkwardness of sharing difficult feelings and experiences with one another
How to encourage balance in friendships
If they have been supported and listened to by friends, to offer that same care and attention in return.
Pupils at St George’s enjoy a number of formal and informal touchpoints with staff on a daily basis from Tutors and Heads of Year to Mrs Jones and members of the boarding staff. SGA is also renowned for the remarkable strength of relationships between girls across the year groups, made possible by the culture of connecting with others and size of our school. We are very proud of our team of Sixth Form Peer Counsellors who are annually trained by our School Counsellor and walk alongside those who might need particular support for a time.
Our current Upper Sixth Peer Counsellors are handing over the baton this week as they start their A Level study leave. As St George’s joins with other schools around the country to mark Mental Health Awareness week, it is very encouraging to hear of the seventeen Lower Sixth pupils who have put themselves forward for training to fill their shoes and be empathetic listeners and thoughtful role models for our younger pupils to follow.