Stockport Academy Connects With Nature For Mental Health Awareness Week

This year’s event was themed around nature – and how people can make the most of it to support their wellbeing.

In school, students were encouraged to take part in a gratitude challenge that involved them writing down or drawing what they liked best about nature, while form groups also competed to see how many students could walk or cycle to school instead of coming in the car.

Meanwhile, our school counsellor held some of her sessions outside – which went down brilliantly with students.

One Year 10 said: “Now we are back at school, I feel we spend a lot of time in the classroom so it has been nice to walk outside and get some fresh air.  I have found it relieving and relaxing being outside for the eco sessions.  Being out in nature, hearing the birds, seeing the trees has definitely improved my mood.”

A Year 11 student added: “Walking in nature makes me feel relaxed and calm.  It grounds me back to reality.  All my worries seem to lessen as I am in nature.  I focus on the different bird sounds and the water trickling, it is really calming.  I found this has helped me in school as Michelle the counsellor understands as it calms my nerves.”