On Wednesday 5th November, we welcomed Tim Street from the Mental Health Foundation, who delivered the highly regarded ‘UOK? Training Session’ to our newest cohort of Mental Health Ambassadors.

The session forms a key part of our ongoing commitment to promoting emotional wellbeing and creating a supportive, informed community for all students.

The ‘UOK?’ programme is a bespoke initiative designed to equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to support their peers. Throughout the training, students took part in a range of interactive activities centred around the most pressing issues affecting young people’s mental health today — including anxiety, stress, friendship dynamics, online pressures, and building resilience.

Tim guided students through real-life scenarios, communication strategies, and wellbeing tools that Ambassadors can use when offering peer support. He also highlighted the importance of recognising when someone may need professional help and how to signpost friends to the right support services. The session not only deepened students’ understanding of mental health but also helped them reflect on how to foster a more compassionate, informed school environment.

Our new Mental Health Ambassadors will now play an active role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations. Their involvement will be central to upcoming campaigns, lunchtime drop-ins, and wellbeing events planned throughout the academic year at Carmel College.

If you’re interested in becoming a Mental Health Ambassador, it’s not too late to get involved. More training opportunities and events will be taking place in December and January, so keep an eye on college updates for dates and sign-up details.

Together, we can continue building a community where every student feels heard, supported, and valued. More information about student wellbeing can be found on the college VLE.