PUPILS from a Basildon school have been boosted by a six-week programme designed to improve their mental health.
Youngsters from the De La Salle School attended weekly sessions provided by the Mind of the Student charity.
And the organisation’s head of programmes Jaylan Sesli thoroughly enjoyed working with the school.
She said: “The students took part in our EmpowerU course and all the young people were highly engaged throughout the programme.
“They showed real openness, reflection, and growth over the six weeks.
“It’s been a privilege to work with such a thoughtful and inspiring group.”
The pupils were put through a number of unique initiatives, covering a wide range of topics with the common goal of helping them develop.
Jaylan explained: “EmpowerU is a life skills initiative supporting young people’s mental health through topics such as self-care, resilience, inclusivity, digital safety and healthier habits.
“Taking a holistic approach to youth mental health, the programme helps to improve emotional intelligence, build resilience, and promote a sense of belonging.
“It equips students with practical tools for well-being and encourages healthier life choices in a safe, supportive environment.”
The sessions were funded by the Essex Community Foundation.
And Mind of the Student director Kieran Goodwin hopes to continue the programme elsewhere.
He said: “We are looking to deliver EmpowerU to more young people across Essex so they can benefit from our early intervention mental health programme.
“One in five young people now have a mental health problem which means demand is high for us to continue delivering our work.
“We heavily rely on our fundraisers and local businesses to fund what we do and it would be great to hear from anyone interested in getting involved.”
The programme proved to be a big hit at the De La Salle School.
And Alison Ansary – the Carnegie mental health award lead at the school – noticed a big difference among the pupils.
She said: “The Empower U Mental Health programme has had a profoundly positive impact on our students.
“It has equipped them with essential strategies to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and foster a deeper sense of self-awareness.
“We have observed noticeable improvements in their overall wellbeing, confidence and ability to navigate challenges both in and outside the classroom.”
The Mind of the Student charity can be contacted via [email protected].
