SCHOOL teachers from across Northwich have come together to share a combined workshop about the importance of mental health.

The event was held at Rudheath Senior Academy and attended by teachers from Witton Church Walk, Lostock Gralam, Wincham, Rudheath and Victoria Road primary schools.

Here, they enjoyed a full day of inspirational speeches and activities designed to give staff an opportunity to come together and share experiences.

Opening speaker Nina Jackson, of education company Independent Thinking, spoke about staff wellbeing and the importance of looking themselves to be the best they can each day for pupils.

This was followed by series of workshops ranging from yoga and mindfulness to skills and strategies for children to be mentally and physically healthy.

The day closed with an inspirational presentation by Adrian Derbyshire - a gold medal paralympian who shared his life story and how he challenges himself to ‘inspire, believe and succeed’ each day.

Northwich Guardian:

Adrian Derbyshire

Adrian also spoke about the importance of giving children a voice and the confidence to talk if they feel bullied.

“The day left quite a mark on all who were there, and they left feeling refreshed, invigorated and ready to inspire the children they teach,” said Rudheath Senior Academy headteacher Ana Roslan.

“Staff are now also ready to really listen and give children a voice to make a difference in their community, or to just give the children the confidence to make that first step and ask for help.

“It was a reminder to us all that staff in school are sometimes the listening ear - the one that children want to talk to – and open that door to the support they need and make a difference.”

Kathryn Mageira, headteacher at Witton Church Walk, added: “This was an inspirational day that reminded us all what an important role we all have in ensuring that our children are given the opportunities to confidently talk about their own mental health.”