The Royal Grammar School (RGS) in Jesmond has opened a ‘Retreat Space’ where students can relax and take a break from their studies.

The initiative is part of the school’s efforts to offer more mental health support to its students and while the space will not be staffed, it will be monitored by CCTV.

On the RGS website, deputy head of pastoral care Sarah Longville says that “ensuring our students at RGS are happy and thriving is absolutely paramount to us and a central thread to all that we do here. Yes, we aim to inspire our students academically and feed their imaginations and curiosity, but without them feeling happy, safe, and supported, life as a young person can be even more of a challenging time than ever.”

In addition to a dedicated pastoral care team, RGS employs two full-time counsellors. The school’s curriculum also includes Personal, Social and Health Education, which teaches students about mental wellbeing and how to look after their mental health.

Research suggests that 10% of children and young people aged between 5 and 16 have a clinically diagnosable mental problem. However, 70% of those affected have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age.

When asked what measures the school has in place to support mental health and wellbeing among teachers and staff, Longville said: “At RGS we would like everyone to feel comfortable talking about their mental wellbeing. One of our most important messages to our students is that we all experience mental health, just as much as physical health, and that having conversations about how we are doing should be the norm.   

“The Retreat is an important physical manifestation of how we prioritise staff and student wellbeing, but this latest addition only builds on a well-established existing culture of mutual support.”

Visit Mind for more information and support related to mental health.