Find out more
With positive wellbeing strategies and an understanding of mental health never having been so important in everyone’s lives, the Wellington College community rose to the challenge of celebrating positive wellbeing strategies and learning more about mental health through the 2021 online festival.
Undeterred by the fact that the success of the 2020 festival could not be completely replicated, throughout the first half of the Lent Term, staff , students and parents were able to access a variety of online talks spanning a range of different issues which had been written especially for the College and on topics which parents and students had highlighted as important to them.
Former England rugby captain Will Carling
Three special talks were also held – former England rugby captain Will Carling and former professional British tennis player turned radio and television presenter, Annabel Croft, spoke about their experiences with mental health as part of the fireside talk series and we were also delighted to welcome back Ming Bridges who took part in a unique ‘in conversation with’ event where she spoke candidly about her experience with anorexia and her struggles with how the music industry dictates the image of what young women should look like.
Mr Walker interviews OW and singer-songwriter, Ming Bridges
In October, all houses were challenged to pick a wellbeing strategy and to look at ways of implementing emotional health within their house communities and raising awareness of a topic which they felt was directly relevant to them. The house submissions were presented to a panel of judges just before half term, with the best overall house prize being awarded to the Murray for the way in which they approached ‘gratitude’. The Mental Health Ambassadors from every house should be commended on their passion and enthusiasm, not to mention their creativity!
The festival has received really positive feedback from the whole community and speakers who were invited to take part.
Comments from parents and contributors:
“Congratulations Wellington College on your amazing mental health festival”
“I was with a group of parents today and there was such good feedback about the online mental health talks – thank you so much for your efforts!”
“I just want say how valuable and interesting we have found the various student, parent, staff and beyond talks which have been part of the MH&W Festival in the last couple of weeks. All the students and parents who participated have shown great selflessness and courage, and indeed humility, in seeking to help others with their experiences, and that takes something special, and is testament to them all. Thank you so much for all the hard yards, compassion and commitment which lies behind this extraordinary project.”
“The Mental Health Festival has been brilliant – I have enjoyed taking some time out and listening to some of the talks; thank you.”
“I’m delighted to hear the students have embraced the idea of kindness & well-being so whole- heartedly. I wish more schools & colleges promoted the importance of positive emotional wellbeing for managing stress.”
“Well done Wellington! What a lot of work has gone into your festival – it looks full, useful and great!”
“This is amazing! A true example of a school being creative in their approach to mental health. Well done.”
“Feedback from the parents I have spoken to is that your festival has been incredibly well received – it certainly couldn’t have come at a more relevant time.”
Mental Health and Wellbeing Festival – House entries 2021 – The Winners!
Well done to all of the houses for getting involved under such challenging conditions. The entries we received bowled over the judges who were impressed by the innovative and creative ideas which were presented. The panel have taken some time to review everything submitted and the following feedback has been given:
The winners were:
- Most creative approach – The Wellesley (Mental Health Ambassador – Sophie H)
- The Most Fun approach – The Beresford (Mental Health Ambassador – Ollie H)
- Engaging parents, staff and governors – The Murray (Mental Health Ambassador – Tommy A)
- Engaging students – The Talbot (Mental Health Ambassador – Freddie C)
- Research – The Apsley (Mental Health Ambassador – Lizzie W)
The best overall house:
Runner up: The Talbot
Runner up: The Beresford
Winners: The Murray
