Croydon families enjoy mental health boost at first ‘Well-being Wednesday’

Schoolchildren and families in Croydon learnt about new ways to boost their mental health during the borough’s first ‘Well-being Wednesday’, on May 1.

The council has created an animation and a series of resources  including well-being guides and activities for schools  to help children up to 12 years old to talk about their feelings.

Woodlands Family Hub in Farnborough Avenue, South Croydon incorporated the Well-being Wednesday celebration into their Rocking Rhymes session. 

Priya Panneer, a parent from Forestdale, said: “My daughter loves the music sessions. 

“Her favourite rhyme is chicken, beans and rice, and they played drums, sticks and shakers as well as scarecrow activities with hats and crafts.”

Well-being Wednesday will take place each year on the first Wednesday in May.

The event has been organised as the next phase of Croydon council’s Five A Day On Well-being Way storybook and website, created with schoolchildren in the borough last year. 

The resources focus on five characters based on the five recommended actions – connect with others, be active, take notice, keep learning and giving.

Smitham Primary School in Portnalls Road, Coulsdon, won the council’s competition this year for pupils to design resources for a Well-being Way guide for seven- to 12-year-olds. 

Throughout the summer, all Croydon schools will receive an intervention box for use in one-to-one support. It contains guides, storybooks, games, keyrings, water bottles, charts, bookmarks and stickers.

Jason Perry, executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “It is vital for children to get the right help for their mental health and to know who they can turn to for support to cope with their feelings, and any worries they might face.”

Pictured top: Woodland Family Hub in South Croydon celebrating Well-being Wednesday (Picture: Croydon council)