1. Mental Health Awareness Week 2019
Mental Health Awareness week is taking place from Monday 13 May – Sunday 19 May. Join us this week to instigate a change in the academy by encouraging each other to speak openly about mental health.
This week we will be focusing
on:
Mental Health: Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
#Resilience

2. Resilience
What is resilience? Psychological resilience is the ability to cope with life stresses and anxieties. Someone with strong resilience does not allow external negative factors to have an impact on their mental state instead they remain calm and collected.

3. How to develop strong resilience?
Spend time with friends and family. Laughing and smiling with them produces hormones that help you relax.
Develop a routine that allows you to have an organised life. Even if it is just getting your clothes ready the night before!
How to develop strong resilience?
Sleep helps reduce stress and increases our energy levels so we are equipped with dealing with difficult situations
Make some lifestyle changes!
A healthy diet and exercise contribute to making you feel better as a whole both mentally and physically.
Find balance in your life so that each day you spend a little time on hobbies such as art or a sport!
Self love – Reward yourself, forgive yourself and give yourself a break!

4. Grab some chocolate and chat!
To promote positive mental health in school we are now going to give you five minutes to discuss with your shoulder partner the following;
A time in your life that you consider a ‘difficult time’ and how you got through this. (2 and ½ half minutes each)
Grab some chocolate and chat!

5. We want to know your thoughts on how the academy can do this?
#itsokaynottobeokay
The academy is wanting your opinion on how we can create a positive environment for all students to feel supported and open about their mental health.
We want to know your thoughts on how the academy can do this?
Each team can discuss with the class their ideas. Complete suggestion slip and give to your VMG tutor.
VMG tutors can you make sure all suggestion slips are returned to main reception.

6. Resilience Zone Resilience Zone opening this week!
Togetherness: 
the state of being close to another person or other people.
Resilience Zone
What is the Resilience Zone?
A designated area for students to share experiences and offer guidance to other students in the Academy. To promote emotional resilience by creating a sense of togetherness amongst the students.
2. Where is the Resilience Zone?
In the library during break and lunch times.
3. When would I go to the Resilience Zone?
If you are feeling a little down and need another student to talk to then the Resilience zone is to the place to be. The zone is also a nice place to visit if you are wanting peer reassurance and encouragement.