Mental Health

Whatever you do this week kids or as a family .... smile 😃 swimming, playing football, walking, cycling, martial arts .... get out there & have lots of fun
Kath  💕

This week is Mental Health Awareness 10-16th.  Prior to lessons resuming I undertook an accredited course - youth mental health first aid (MHFA) for the past 2weeks I have been studying the Adult mental health first aid course. 

As a Mum I know the negative impact covid has had upon my children from not being able to go to school, see friends, family and take part in activities. Returning to teaching, swimming & activities has been a huge positive step for my children and I. 

Children returning to lessons ... we have seen a mixture of apprehension, fear & excitement.  Our plan was to alleviate fears and have a safe & happy approach to getting back in to the pool,  I’m really happy to now be seeing huge smiles.  It makes our job even more worthwhile. 

The STA (swimming teachers association) have today wrote an article on well-being & mindfulness ... I’d like to share segments......

Wellbeing isn’t just about coping, surviving or being ok; it is about thriving, flourishing and blossoming.

Prior to the start of the pandemic, we were seeing rising levels of young people and children being diagnosed with mental health difficulties and record numbers of children were being referred to, or seeking the support of mental health organisations.

We still do not know the full impact the pandemic has had on children’s mental health and wellbeing, but early indicators suggest the effects have been profound.

“Understanding  the full impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing is not yet known, but early indicators suggest the effects have been profound,”
– Dr Alexandra Barnett, a Chartered Counselling Psychologist.

It is well documented that sport will play a massive role in helping children to recover from the pandemic – socially, mentally and physically

Swimming is one of the most beneficial sporting activities for mental health and wellbeing, but it has been really hit hard by the pandemic. Millions of children have lost out on the opportunity to start or access their regular lessons over the last 12 months, and for many this will have affected their confidence and competence – and potential enjoyment of swimming moving forward. Luckily children are very resilient. 

“As with most things, prevention is better than cure, and that is why from a young age learning steps you can take to improve, support and help your mental health and wellbeing is so important,” says Dr Barnett.

Mindfulness is a skill that is thought to be essential in supporting wellbeing, and there is a long list of documented benefits. The NHS’s 5 steps to mental wellbeing are connection with other people, being physically active, learning new skills, giving to others and paying attention to the present moment (mindfulness).

As you can see swimming lessons cover a lot of these NHS steps! 👍🏻🐬