YOUNGSTERS at a school in Chester took part in a host of activities as part of Mental Health Awareness Week last week.

On Monday pupils from JH Godwin Primary in Blacon had a visit from a four-legged friend – Harvey the therapy dog – and his owner Angela Rogers.

The children were later given a ‘secret friend’ to encourage kindness and friendship, and they took part in afternoon ‘personal, social and emotional’ lessons.

They were asked to design their own mental health first aid kit, made posters about how to stay safe and talked about their feelings.

“Each class had a yoga, mindfulness and relaxation session which all the children really enjoyed and some actually fell asleep!,” said head teacher Nicola Wetton.

“JH Godwin Primary is committed to mental health and wellbeing throughout the year. The school has recently launched the My Happy Mind programme which involves ‘happy breathing’ and weekly lessons about how the brain works in relation to long-term happiness.

“We promote the values of regular exercise with all children participating daily in a mile around the school grounds – whatever the weather. 

“To end Mental Health Awareness Week we officially launched our ‘Daily Mile’ as a whole school and all our parents were invited to join in.

“The children then enjoyed delicious fruit kindly donated by Tesco.”