We've just been asked to take part in a day's activities centred around 'Wellbeing' next month. Ten years ago, this was largely a pipedream for many schools; these days, schools are increasingly recognising the value in student wellbeing. But as the title asks, is it simply ensuring students are 'being well'? That they are ticking the right self esteem boxes? More to the point, what are those boxes?!
On a daily basis, we are mentoring young people who are being diagnosed with behavioural difficulties, statemented with conditions that have been recognised as hindering their social interaction, have parents who are separating, have no contact with significant family members, have poor attendance (or no attendance) and a host of other situations. Every day.
So is it short-sighted of us to think a day's focus on student wellbeing will fix the 'problem'? No; Ironically, it is this attitude that demands the need for wellbeing awareness in young people in the first place! Why? Because so many of them think negatively (or short-sightedly) about their own lives and futures every day. It's more than just an OfSted box-tick to satisfy inspectors. It is an opportunity to give young people the chance to view themselves in a different light. Once they view themselves differently, they will view their life situations differently. From there, those around them will be viewed differently who in turn will continue the trend. And so, it will naturally follow that the entire school will eventually have wellbeing as their primary focus. All this - from one day. Pipedream? NO!
We are so excited that we can play a role in this event, because it is a massive opportunity to start a tidal wave of wellbeing awareness to build through the school, drenching everyone in its path.
As Christians, we can relate to the bible verse shown in the picture. Our prayer is that everyone encountering this wellbeing day will know that they, too, are fearfully and wonderfully made.
For life.