We are very proud that our Deputy Headteacher and Senior Mental Health lead, Emily Cooper of Wentworth Primary School, was recognised as a ‘Champion’ at the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards last month. This event celebrates the people, organisations and initiatives delivering projects to improve mental health and wellbeing in Kent. Out of more than 350 entries, 50 were selected as winners and of those winners, 10 were recognised as champions.
The event was hosted and coordinated by the charity Mind in East Kent and Bexley, who have produced a Best Practice booklet to share the stories of the winning entries. This celebrates that Emily has “transformed staff wellbeing at her school” and has “implemented innovative initiatives” that “promote a supportive work environment, addressing mental health proactively”. It commends her approach that has “fostered a noticeable improvement in morale and a strong sense of community. Despite time and financial challenges, Emily’s dedication, kindness and compassion has brought lasting positive improvements to mental health and wellbeing at Wentworth.”
Emily attended the ceremony and said, “I am thrilled and honoured to have won a Kent Mental Wellbeing award. It highlights the hard work, dedication and passion of everyone involved. I want to thank the amazing colleagues who work with me to support the staff and children and extend my heartfelt thanks to the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards for the award.”
Lewis Pollock, headteacher of Wentworth Primary School said, “We are so proud of Emily’s achievement.
Her care and drive helps our staff to be ready to offer the children in our school the best learning opportunities possible. We look forward to her continued commitment to ensuring that our staff’s wellbeing is supported.”