Teachers at a specialist mental health unit are helping young patients build their confidence and support networks with the help of the local community.
The St Aubyn Centre in Colchester provides inpatient care for teenagers aged 13 to 18 who are experiencing a range of mental health difficulties. The service is run by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.
It has its own school, The St Aubyn Centre Therapeutic Education Department, which runs an academic curriculum alongside personal development activities and is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
The education team works closely with community clubs, groups and therapeutic activity centres to help the young people build their confidence, skills, and sense of belonging.
Having a sense of belonging is the theme of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week (9 to 15 February), a national campaign by children’s mental health charity Place2Be.
Jim English, Acting Headteacher at The St Aubyn Centre Therapeutic Education Department, said: “We understand that the young people in our hospital are often marginalised because of their mental health problems.
“This has a huge impact on their self-esteem, especially when they are already vulnerable.
“Therefore, we strive to maintain their links with the community, whether this be in arts, culture, sport, or specialised provisions such as the occupational therapy-led Dedham Therapy Farm.
“Some of our young people have also gone on to have longer term involvement in community projects once they’ve left our care.”
Dedham Therapy Farm has worked closely with The St Aubyn Centre for many years and involves the young people in helping to look after the animals there. They also organise teambuilding activities, such as building campfires, arts and crafts and making treats.
Savanna Edwards, an Occupational Therapy Assistant at the farm, said: “Those who attend regularly appear to grow in confidence both socially and practically, developing a range of new skills that they can carry forward into their future.
“We consistently see each young person experience a strong sense of achievement after completing activities, which supports their wellbeing and provides valuable opportunities to spend time in a safe, supportive outdoor environment.”
The education team at The St Aubyn Centre also help the teenagers to continue their hobbies and interests or find new activities to try. These include attending boxing classes, St John Ambulance youth programmes, or cadet groups.
Jim said: “Simple activities such as going shopping to buy all the ingredients for our education cooking sessions also helps the young people to stay connected with the community.
“Many enjoy talking about going shopping with their families and how they help their parents, and feel it gives them a sense of purpose.”