Bus helps kids on their mental health journey

Stagecoach South West took a wellbeing bus to Lympstone Primary School  as part of Children’s Mental Health Week to empower young people.

The carefully crafted sessions for students in years 5 and 6 included a wellbeing workshop on board the bus followed by a physical activity session led by Tom Johnson, founder of PlusEd digital platform which focuses on supporting teachers in delivering health and wellbeing in schools, and Lee Drinkwater, from Exmouth rehabilitation charity RV-ONE.

Tom said: “Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. 1 in 6 children and young people now have a diagnosable mental health condition. By taking part in Children’s Mental Health Week 2024, we can ensure that children and young people across the UK feel listened to and know that they’re not alone.”

From 5-11 February 2024, schools, families and communities across the UK are taking part in Children’s Mental Health Week. This year’s theme is My Voice Matters, and Place2Be wants all children and young people, whoever they are, and wherever they are in the world, to be able to say – and believe - “My Voice Matters”.

Peter Knight Managing Director of Stagecoach South West said: “We are proud to be taking part in Children’s Metal Health Awareness week 2024. We have many mental health advocates throughout the business, who encourage our teams to open up and share any issues. It’s something that we are really passionate about and to be able to utilise our buses as a space for these important conversations is something we want to do more of.”

Peter added: “Stagecoach has plans to extend their wellbeing bus offer throughout the year which will encourage social chat on the bus, allowing connections and friendships to build. This kind of practical action, reaching out to people with transport to bring them together, change their environment to engage is absolutely vital.”

RV-ONE is a charity based in Exmouth whose mission is to rehabilitate the mind through functional fitness, creativity and adventure built on military foundations with the intention to help everyone.

Tom Merriman, Director at RVOne, said: “Empowering children and young people can have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. For example, children and young people who feel that their voices are heard - and that what they say makes a difference - have higher levels of self-efficacy and self-esteem. They also have a greater sense of community – and as people become empowered, they can work together to create positive changes for themselves and for others.

To find out more Childrens Mental Health Week visit www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk