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Staff and students at Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Hove, took part in the Samaritans Dawn Walk on 10 October. Carrying candles, they set off along the beach before sunrise, with pauses for prayer and reflection, to raise awareness of mental health issues.

The Samaritans' Dawn Walk challenge is to walk 5 kilometres at sunrise, wherever you choose, between 10 and 13 October. Participants can choose to walk somewhere special to them, or their everyday route. People take on the challenge on their own or in teams, all whilst raising vital funds and awareness of Samaritans so they can be there for people when they need them most.

Cardinal Newman School has a strong commitment to looking after the mental health of the members of its community, with support available for students and parents:

"Our core values of Caritas excellence, and together mean that we aim to promote positive, mental health and well-being throughout our community. Belonging to and contributing to a loving community is the key to positive mental health and wellbeing. There are many opportunities for students to contribute to the community, and to share their experiences with school leaders, so that current needs are acknowledged and met.

"It’s important to acknowledge that there are many stresses and pressures that are part of normal life and that we can find strategies to support us when needed."

The school also held a week of Mental Health assemblies to mark World Mental Health Day, which fell on 10 October, with performances and testimonies from senior students, and advice and further testimonies from the student Mental Health Ambassadors.

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Source: Cardinal Newman Catholic School