School creates online video to focus on importance of discussing mental health issues

Bradford Grammar School began the new push to coincide with International Day of Happiness. The online public video resource created by the school is tailored for children, young people and adults to learn about well-being in school and why it’s so important.

Over 100 people in the school took part in the campaign including pupils, parents, teachers and staff members.

Headmaster, Simon Hinchliffe said: "We are acutely aware that members of the public, young people, parents and teachers all have important stories to tell about happiness and well-being in school, and in their everyday lives. We want to play our part by sharing our voices, through this public resource, to benefit everyone, not just the few, and to help raise awareness within our local community, Yorkshire and nationwide.”

One of the featured pupils, Maariah Hussain from Bradford, said: “It’s the all-round environment that makes me happy at school; the local community, the art on the walls, the sports facilities, the friendly faces, the general encouragement not to be embarrassed about working hard – everyone is on the same page.”

Jane Chapman, Assistant Head (Pastoral) said: “We’re here to educate the whole child and look to producing children who are happy and feel valued and supported. Well-being is a prerequisite of academic excellence, and the emphasis we place on pastoral care, pupil welfare and the value of our parents is integral to who we are.”

Recent figures from NHS data show that nearly a quarter of a million children and young people were in contact with mental health services for problems such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders - highlighting the scale of the growing crisis in young people’s mental health.

Eleanor Crookes, aged 8 from Shipley, said: “It was really fun being on camera and getting to talk about what I love at school and talk about playing the Cello, the camera people were very nice to me.”