Published 21 June 2023
Pupils at three West Dunbartonshire schools have taken part in a range of fun and engaging lessons focusing on health and wellbeing.
The Council secured a Creative Learning Network grant of £11,000 from Education Scotland and Creative Scotland to deliver ‘Connect’, a creative learning project focused on children’s health and wellbeing following the pandemic.
The project ran for 10 weeks with weekly sessions at Clydemuir Primary School, Balloch Primary School and St Kessog's Primary School.
Children took part in creative and innovative activities and fun games to help them learn about keeping themselves healthy including good nutrition, getting enough sleep, recognising the early signs of poor mental health and the importance of staying active and spending time outdoors with friends.
Councillor Clare Steel, Convenor of Educational Services, said: “Creative thinking and activities have such a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of children and young people – both physically and mentally. This project has helped raise an important messages about wellbeing delivered in a fun way in which the children can learn and relate to. Alongside social benefits and life skills, this can help children and young people deal with feelings of anxiety, isolation and stress, which for some young people is still ongoing following the pandemic.”
Councillor John Millar, Vice Convener of Educational Services, said: “Having a firm understanding and valuing positive mental health and wellbeing from an early age is vital and will help young people to recognise when they may need to seek help. It’s great to see children learning important lessons in a way they can relate to, which will help equip them with skills and techniques that will ensure they can look after themselves, both physically and mentally.”
As part of the learning, pupils have produced mini films which can be viewed on West Dunbartonshire’s digital pupil wellbeing toolkit.