To celebrate the culmination of the NCG Guarantee Mental Fitness Badge initiative, students and staff came together at Southwark College to host a Mental Wellbeing Conference. The event offered students a chance to learn, engage, and promote mental wellbeing within the college community.
The conference featured engaging activities designed to empower learners and encourage positive mental health. Andreena Leeanne's keynote speech on Mental Well-Being and LGBT+ Empowerment was a highlight, providing an inspiring message about self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of supporting the LGBT+ community.
Throughout the day, students participated in various interactive events, including the Messages of Kindness Wall, where they shared positive messages, and a Foodbank and Clothes Donation Drive to support those in need. A Healthy Eating Stall also offered tips on balanced diets and healthy living.
An Interactive iSports Floor and Wall encouraged movement and active participation, while the Just Dance challenge on Nintendo Switch kept everyone on their toes.
The day wasn’t just about fun and games; exam stress support was available with a dedicated Exam Stress Drop-In to offer advice and tips for managing exam anxiety. Additionally, the StandUp! Educate Against Discrimination workshops sparked important conversations about inclusivity and combating discrimination.
Assistant Principal for Student Experience, Molly Whiston said: “The Mental Wellbeing Conference was a fantastic opportunity for our students to come together and share their experiences while learning valuable tools to promote positive mental health. It’s important that we continue to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to prioritise their wellbeing. This event showcased the strength of our community, and I am proud of how our students have embraced the Mental Fitness Badge Initiative.”
The Mental Wellbeing Conference marked the end of the Mental Fitness Badge Award, where students had to participate in a college event, engage in an external wellbeing-related experience and complete a set tutorial wellbeing activity to complete the badge.
The Mental Wellbeing Conference was an inspiring day that highlighted the importance of mental fitness and demonstrated the college’s commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive, and healthy community.
To find out more about the NCG Guarantee Badge Initiatives, please visit our website: southwark.ac.uk/ncg-guarantee
