"Their mental health is very important to us at Abbey College Manchester so it is wonderful we can give them the tools to feel calm."
Head of Lower Sixth, Rachel Lasham
The leading independent college hosted a wellbeing week which included a variety of activities to help the students relax and connect with one another.
A number of students took part in a Tai Chi lesson led by a specialist teacher. They focussed on slowing down Kung Fu moves as well as Qigong, a form of self-healing, which involves relaxation and deep breathing. They then enjoyed a meditation session after learning about the history of this martial art form and the wide-ranging health benefits associated with it.
A special German breakfast was held at the boarding accommodation, Riverside House to engage staff and students working and living in the accommodation. The breakfast was designed as part of the Success at Sixth Form Programme at the college and consisted of a range of different breads, cheeses, halal meats and brioche.
The week was rounded off with another social breakfast held in the college and organised by the breakfast club members.
Head of Lower Sixth, Rachel Lasham commented: “Wellbeing and mental health are a huge part of my life and I consider myself to be a mental health advocate. This has been the case for 20 years and I pass my experience and knowledge on through our tutor programme and the Success in Sixth Form programme. It is wonderful to see both the staff and students embrace it and it is incredibly important they feel calm and can manage their stress leading up to their exams.
“The week was a great success with the students taking on board a range of relaxation strategies. Their mental health is very important to us at Abbey College Manchester so it is wonderful we can give them the tools to feel calm.”
Abbey College is a leading independent college in the heart of Manchester, with a fast-growing and vibrant community.
There are around 220 students at the college, 65% of whom are from the local area with the remainder from other countries. The college offers A-Level, GCSE and International Foundation Programmes.
For more information on Abbey College visit www.abbeymanchester.co.uk, or call 0161 817 2700.
