South Lakes’ school and mental health charity team up for wellbeing initiative

A young people's mental health charity has launched a new programme to aid Cumbria's youth.

Wave Forward, a leading Cumbria-based charity, and Kirkbie Kendal School have announced the launch of their ground breaking initiative, the Wellbeing Ambassador Programme. This collaborative effort between Wave Forward and Kirkbie Kendal School aims to revolutionise student wellbeing there by fostering a culture of inclusivity and prioritising positive mental health throughout the school community.

The Wellbeing Ambassador Programme, designed to empower students and help enhance the school’s wellbeing culture, sees fifteen students selected to undergo intensive training sessions led by Wave Forward's experienced staff. These sessions equip the ambassadors with the skills and knowledge needed to drive wellbeing activities and initiatives within the school, supporting students across all year groups.

The charity say that according to recent studies, 1 in 5 teenagers currently have a probable mental health problem such as anxiety or depression. Projects like the Wellbeing Ambassador Programme are vital in combating these rising rates of mental ill health by providing proactive support and resources within educational institutions, especially designed from the young people’s own perspective, creating a tailored wellbeing strategy for all to benefit.

Speaking on the collaboration, Assistant Headteacher of Kirkbie Kendal School, Mr. Shepherd, said: "At Kirkbie Kendal School, we are committed to prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of our students. Working with Wave Forward has meant we are launching an initiative that is a testament to our dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive."

Director of Wave Forward, Lisa Atkinson, echoed Mr. Shepherd’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of youth-led initiatives in addressing mental health challenges.

"Wave Forward is proud to partner with Kirkbie Kendal School in launching the Wellbeing Ambassador Programme,’’ she said.

‘’By placing young people at the forefront of this initiative, we ensure that the solutions are not only impactful but also reflect the needs and experiences of those they aim to support."

In parallel, Wave Forward's youth-centred initiative, The Helm, takes a significant step forward with the establishment of its first Helm Hub at Kirkbie Kendal School. The Helm Hub serves as a cornerstone in anchoring the Wellbeing Ambassador Programme's sustainable roots, ensuring ongoing training, support and wellbeing empowerment year after year. With 940 youth centres having closed since 2010, The Helm’s wellbeing edge is set to offer something truly different and nourishing for those who need it. Wave Forward staff will work hand-in-hand with the school's pastoral team, providing continuous guidance and resources to nurture the programme's growth and impact.

Emily, who has embraced the role of Wellbeing Ambassador, said: "Becoming a Wellbeing Ambassador has been really rewarding so far. I loved the training and am already excited about the ideas we have started to put together. I know that I also have skills now that will stay with me for life and will help me in my career in social care."

The charity aims to offer even more schools and educational organisations the opportunity to benefit and is aiming to roll out this new programme further with high hopes to nurture dozens more ambassadors, creating a federation of Wellbeing Ambassadors for years to come across the area.