Mental Health
Mental Health
School belonging is recognised as a protective factor for mental ill health. Good mental health is promoted through a holistic approach to wellbeing, where the focus lies on whole-school approaches of Positive Regard, friendship, participation, healthy food, nutrition and exercise.
Anglian Learning is collaborating with existing partners Innovate IFG, Anglian Leisure, as well as our new partner, the Cambridge-based charity, The Foundation for Young People’s Mental Health. This page will offer accessible advice from our partners on nutrition guidance, exercise and where to find and access support, alongside activities and lifestyle recommendations to promote the mental well-being of pupils and entire school communities.
Anglian Leisure
Anglian Leisure is the brand of Anglian Learning’s sport, fitness and leisure centres. The brand unites facilities across Anglian Learning bringing the five individual centres run by the Trust together. The health and well-being of our local communities is a priority of Anglian Leisure and our vision is to ensure that a variety of recreation and leisure opportunities are accessible and inclusive to a wide range of people.
Young People’s Mental Health
Anglian Learning is beginning a collaboration with Cambridge-based charity, The Foundation for Young People’s Mental Health (YPMH), to progress the mental health strand of Belonging by Design. The collaboration aims to help Anglian Learning and its schools select and implement evidence-based approaches for:
- Preventing and identifying mental health conditions, such as depression.
- Supporting and managing pupils experiencing mental ill health.
The first phase will focus on providing accessible information to colleagues, pupils, parents and carers to improve understanding of:
- What depression is and what causes it
- How to manage personal risk factors
- How to support others effectively
While the initial focus is on depression, the prevention strategies will promote overall mental wellbeing. YPMH’s research highlights the impact of everyday factors such as food, movement, sleep, chronic stress, loneliness, and substance use on mental health. Improvements in these areas can help prevent and even reduce conditions like depression. For further information on The Foundation for Young Peoples Mental Health see this flyer.
Innovate IFG
Innovate IFG are the caterers for the Anglian Learning Trust and are passionate about changing lives through the power of food. Their mission is to ensure every pupil has access to balanced, nourishing meals that empower them to thrive physically, emotionally and academically. By prioritising nutrition, well-being and fostering a positive food culture, they aim to support pupils in reaching their full potential.
As a partner of this Mental Health Strategy and as school caterers, Innovate recognise the vital role they play in supporting pupils in both their educational outcomes and development. For further information from Impact Food Group see this flyer.