‘Time to Talk’ concerts raise awareness

Posted On: 26/04/16

Four Year 13 students (Emma Line, Fran Tindall, Emily Denney and Molly Flaherty) have set up a student committee to raise awareness of mental health issues and develop the pastoral provision the school offers. Their plans include establishing a quiet relaxation room in Gurney Benham, setting up a confidential school email address for students to raise concerns, and writing a leaflet with advice about study skills and how to cope with the stress of exams.

To raise awareness and funds, they organised two ‘Time to Talk’ concerts last week, attended by over 150 pupils, parents, staff and friends of the school. The two cabaret-style concerts were evenings of relaxed musical entertainment  performed by students, with a cameo appearance by the staff singing group. Individual students and staff also gave talks about the importance of removing the stigma of mental illness, and the need for people to be more ready to talk about any difficulties.

Emma said ‘we thought the concerts would be a wonderful way to raise the profile of the newly-formed committee but also to encourage people to begin talking about mental health. It is a subject that so many of us find difficult to speak about, yet it affects such a large proportion of the population.’

Mr Chambers added that the initiative of the group had been hugely impressive. ‘The mental health committee will improve awareness and the provision we already make for our students. The concerts were brilliantly organised and the performers and speakers made it a memorable evening of relaxing but thought-provoking entertainment.’

The concerts raised nearly £1000 and Emily, Emma, Fran and Molly are now looking forward to seeing how it can be used to promote positive mental and emotional health in the school.