Young Mental Health Champion acknowledges young people who have made outstanding contributions to areas including mental health awareness, support, and education. It is awarded to individuals or group who have made a meaningful impact in reducing mental health stigma, improving access to mental health resources, and creating supportive safe spaces to talk about feelings and emotional health.
Winner: Rickleton Primary Mini Medics
Rickleton Primary Mini Medics Rickleton pupils recognised the need for peer support in identifying and supporting mental health among their fellow pupils. A group of Year 5 children collaborated with a child therapist to earn a qualification as 'Mini Medics.' These pupils are trained to recognise indicators of mental health struggles, such as low mood, anxiety, grief, or stress. The Mini Medics use their training to offer support and implement strategies to help other pupils. These strategies include mindfulness activities, listening, and sharing concerns with adults in school. Since their training, the Mini Medics have supported numerous children across the school, contributing to improved mental health. As a result, more children at Rickleton now have strategies they can use if they are struggling with their mental health, fostering a supportive and understanding school environment for everyone.
Highly commended: Breathing Space Key Stage 3 The Link School
The Breathing Space group meets every Tuesday evening after school and has been running for three years. During these sessions, participants take pride in their local community by spreading messages about promoting mental health and wellbeing. They share creative pieces to enhance wellbeing messages and engage with children, young people, and adults on the importance of mental health.
The group also uses this time to support their own mental health, valuing the moments they spend together. Activities range from cooking meals for their families, placing positive rock messages at the beach, cleaning the beach of litter, and visiting Rose Bud Ceramics to create pieces for loved ones. The work of the Breathing Space group matters and has a positive impact on each individual group member and their community.
This award is sponsored by The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB)
This award is sponsored by The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board. The ICB has responsibility for commissioning healthcare services in the area. Their vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Sunderland.
