Before our half term break, Bede highlighted the importance of belonging as part of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week theme: This is My Place. In Friday’s Personal Development time, students considered what it means to belong and why it matters.
Firstly, students watched some expert videos demonstrating how our mental health flourishes when we feel connected and valued. They saw that, for children in particular, a strong sense of belonging means they:
- Feel more confident to be themselves and try new things.
- Develop resilience to cope with challenges and setbacks. Build stronger relationships and communication skills.
- Experience less anxiety and loneliness.
- Have better self-esteem and understand their own worth.
- Feel motivated to contribute positively to their communities.
After also considering what a lack of belonging can mean -from feelings of isolation to anxiety -students also reflected upon where they belong and what makes them feel this way.
We saw that knowing we have a place is a basic human need and that when we feel that we belong, it empowers us to contribute to the world and make a real difference. It became clear that family, friends, community groups across Blyth, and Bede itself are welcoming places, but that we should all do our bit to help others know they belong.
