A WELLBEING project at an Ilkley school is being extended to encompass the wider community, with children mixing with the older generations.

Wharfedale Observer: Burley Oaks Primary School has held a number of intergenerations events

Burley Oaks Primary School has adopted a preventative approach to mental health and wellbeing to reduce the stigma of discussions surrounding what can be a sensitive subject for young people.

As part of that they have taken part in a number of events bringing them together with older residents of Burley-in-Wharfedale, including an intergenerational conker tournament, including drinks, cakes and songs, and a drop-in session at the parish centre to play games and share stories.

Wharfedale Observer: Burley Oaks Primary School has held a number of intergenerations events

In December, a Christmas Bonanza event saw 60 local residents invited for mince pies, Christmas Carols and buddy craft activity.

Wharfedale Observer: Burley Oaks Primary School has held a number of intergenerations events

Emma Learmonth, special educational needs co-ordinator at the school, said: “At Burley Oaks, we take a preventative approach to mental health and wellbeing from a young age. This is done in three ways: whole school provision, including assemblies, our PHSE curriculum, calm and safe environments and break out spaces, mental health awareness days and much more.

“Our main aim is to reduce stigma through the normalisation of discussions surrounding mental health and to create an atmosphere of open communication and honesty through the development of trusting and supportive relationships.

“Our unique and diverse curriculum supports all children to understand that wellbeing is key to living a happy and successful life. Our aim is to give pupils the information they need to make good decisions about their mental health. Both our whole school offer and more individualised support enables children to recognise what is normal and what is an issue in both themselves and others. In addition, they know how to seek support if and when issues arise.”

Wharfedale Observer: Burley Oaks Primary School has held a number of intergenerations events

Burley Oaks aims to empower pupils to look after themselves and others through open conversations, creation of support networks, and has appointed Wellbeing Ambassadors to facilitate this.

Emma said: “In school, we have 13 Wellbeing Ambassadors who meet regularly to discuss what they can put into place to improve the wellbeing and general happiness of others in the school environment. The ambassadors have badges and caps to help them be easily identified by the children.

“All ambassadors are fully trained for this role and have an understanding of mental health and how we can support pupils both during difficult times and preventative measures.”

Wharfedale Observer: Pupils from Burley Oaks have enjoyed meeting older members of the community

Wellbeing Ambassador tasks include raising awareness of good mental health, delivering assemblies, sharing strategies in classes, organising whole school events such as our intergenerational community projects, all of which aim support the wellbeing of the wider community.

The Wellbeing Ambassadors also organised a Reverse Santa event, in which children were asked to bring in a gift to give to Father Christmas in his inflatable grotto, to support a wide range of vulnerable children and adults, with groups receiving support from the event including Love Burley volunteers, vulnerable adults, members of our intergenerational project, residents at Burley Care Home and children and families being supported by Refugee Action within Bradford.