Goffs-Churchgate Academy has recently celebrated Mental Health Awareness week at the school. The centrepiece of our activities were year group assemblies, outlining the Mental Health support and activities which the school continues to engage in, working with our partners from Herts MIND Network and the Samaritans. 

We have also recruited our first two external 'Mental Health Champions'; Helen Barnett suffers from PTSD, as a result of being involved in several serious incidents whilst serving in the Metropolitan Police. Martin Griffiths is an award winning trauma surgeon at the Royal London Hospital and and deputy Lieutenant for Greater London. Both were honoured to be asked to be 'Mental Health Champions' of the academy. 

During Mental Health Awareness week, some students completed a wellbeing survey for the School Nurses team. The team came into school for a 'drop in session' and staffed a information stall in the canteen. Both venues were well attended by pupils, who received advice and Mental Health information

The school is committed to raising awareness of Mental Health for all stakeholders of the school, and are pleased to have been able to sign a partnership working agreement with Herts MIND Network, who also delivered 'Stress and Anxiety' workshops to our students.  Tom Sparks, Principal, said, "awareness of Mental Health and strategies to support good Mental Health, are critically important for our students in the 21st century.  We are proud to have developed excellent relationships with professional organisations, especially Herts MIND, to support all of our students, staff and parents in the school."