As part of our commitment to student wellbeing, senior students and members of the Student Wellbeing Committee had the opportunity to visit the Headspace Wellbeing Conference on Tuesday 18 August and learn more about the support available to young people.

Run by Zero2Hero, the conference provided us with a greater understanding of the importance of looking after our wellbeing, as well as the different strategies and organisations available to help us manage our mental health. It also highlighted that seeking support is a positive step and that there are so many people, including friends, family and external support organisations, who are willing to help.

One of the key messages I took away from the experience was that people who have faced their own challenges can use those experiences to help and support others. Hearing about the different journeys people have been on, including those of Olympic athletes such as five-time Olympic diver Melissa Wu and Mental Health Initiative Founder of ‘How to Be Well’, Lily Gresele, showed me that we don’t always have to face challenges on our own. There are people and services we can lean on when we need support, and sometimes those who have experienced similar challenges can use their own journeys to help others through theirs.

As Student Wellbeing Prefect, I hope to build on what I learned from this experience by continuing to promote positive conversations around wellbeing within our College community. I want to encourage students to recognise that seeking support is a strength, and that there are people who understand, care and are willing to help. By increasing awareness and encouraging students to look out for one another, we can create a community where people feel comfortable reaching out when they need it.

Lauren Kingston
Student Wellbeing Prefect