To mark World Mental Health Day on the 10th October, Platform have gifted a buddy bench to Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infant School in Northamptonshire.
The aim of the friendship bench is to encourage pupils of the school to use the bench if they are ever feeling lonely and need support, or a friend. Not only will it attract the attention of teachers to the individual child’s mental wellbeing, but it will also inspire other children in the playground to show kindness and to support each other.
According to NHS England, one in six children aged five to sixteen were identified as having a probable mental health problem in July 2021, which averages to be around five children in every classroom. Platform hopes that providing a safe space and by creating a culture of openness, every child will start to feel heard and included.
Jane Toyer, Headteacher at Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infant School said: “We’d like to thank Platform Home Ownership for the generous donation of a buddy bench which will help children build friendships, show kindness and support each other, fostering a community where every child feels valued and included.
“We’re delighted to introduce the buddy bench during World Mental Health Day, when it’s especially important to raise awareness of open dialogue around mental health and the importance of encouraging new relationships among children.”
Higham Ferrers Infant and Nursery School is a local school to a brand new development offering two, three and four bedroom homes available with Shared Ownership. The first release of new homes consisting of two and three semi-detached homes are now available and awaiting applications.
Vanessa Latty, Sales Consultant at Platform, said: “We’re pleased to have supplied the pupils at Higham Ferrers with this buddy bench which is testament to our commitment to giving back to the communities we provide homes for.
“Mental health is such an important issue, and it’s so important that we keep encouraging conversations from an early age.”
For further resources and advice on mental health, please visit Mind.
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