Wellbeing Programme

At Headspace we support local young people aged 11-19 years (Cotswold School students) with their emotional wellbeing.

Wellbeing Programme Overview

At Headspace we support local young people aged 11-19 years with their emotional wellbeing.

What we do:

We spend time with young people doing tasks they enjoy without the pressure of academic targets or expectations.
We help them refocus on rewarding activities which give their thoughts and emotions a rest for a little while.
We care that they have a safe, calm place to just be themselves for a few hours, away from the sometimes over stimulating school environment.
We build trusting relationships, where they aren’t judged and feel comfortable to express themselves freely

Staff and Volunteers

Our Wellbeing Coordinator oversees all of the sessions with the support of a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers.
The team are not therapists but have experience working with young people in various capacities and are experienced in the activity provided. All Headspace Trustees, staff and volunteers have enhanced DBS checks and NSPCC Safeguarding training.

Wellbeing Programme

The activities we offer are simple but effective, allowing young people some time without expectations, giving them a safe space to grow in confidence and benefit from relationships which are formed with trusted adults.

In addition to the new skills they learn during their time with Headspace, we also aim to teach young people essential lifelong skills to help build self-esteem, manage anxiety, reduce self-harm and to provide them with a useful “toolkit” to cope with life’s challenges.

Bushcraft - Mondays (6 weeks)
On The Cotswold School site/indoors in the Winter

This group offers a blend of experiential learning and outdoor activities aimed at promoting self-confidence, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving skills among young people. Engaging in activities such as fire lighting, den building and toasting marshmallows not only fosters a sense of adventure and fun but also provides valuable opportunities for personal growth and development.

These experiences help young people develop resilience by learning to overcome setbacks and persevere in the face of challenges.

Breathwork - Wednesdays (6 weeks)
Held at Headspace

Teaching breath control strategies is an excellent way to help young people manage stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and low self-esteem. Controlled breathing techniques can activate the body's relaxation response, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress and promote relaxation and improved sleep patterns.

These strategies can empower young people to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and self-assurance.

Craft - Thursdays (12 weeks)
Held at Headspace

Craft-based activities can offer a creative outlet for young people to express themselves and explore their interests in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. No skill required ensures that all participants feel welcome and included, regardless of their level of artistic ability. Engaging in craft activities can have numerous benefits for mental health and well-being. Creativity has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood and increase feelings of self-esteem.

In addition to the craft-based activity, a wellbeing activity is incorporated within the session to further enhance the overall experience.

Gardening/cooking – Fridays (12 weeks)
Held at Headspace or the allotment

Incorporating gardening and cooking activities into this group offers a diverse range of hands-on experiences that promote creativity, skill-building, and connection with nature. These activities provide numerous benefits for mental health and well-being while fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride. Spending time at the Headspace allotment (in the Spring/Summer months) provides the opportunity for physical activity and outdoor exploration, which can help reduce stress and improve mood.

Learning new cooking skills provides valuable life skills that can promote independence and self-sufficiency whilst engaging all five senses and enhancing mindfulness and appreciation for healthy food.

The Wellbeing Groups that we currently run are:

How the sessions work

The Headspace Wellbeing Programme has been designed to offer a holistic approach to promoting mental health and well-being, fostering creativity, skill development and a sense of community among participants.

It is our aim that the groups provide young people with the tools and resources they need to navigate life's challenges with resilience, confidence, and well-being.

Encouraging continued practice and application of these skills when they leave Headspace ensures that young people can continue to grow and thrive in various aspects of their lives.

Session Times: Weekdays from 9:20am until 11:20am.
Headspace staff collect young people from The Cotswold School, walk to Headspace and return them afterwards in time for first break. Young people not attending school are also welcome but will need to attend Headspace independently, brought by a parent/guardian.
Sessions last 6 or 12 weeks and are paused during the School holidays unless there is an agreed need for them to continue.
Contact Information: For more information, please email Helen at Helen@myheadspace.org.uk

Send a referral

How we help you

Complete the Wellbeing referral form on the Headspace website with as much detail as possible
Headspace will be in touch to confirm that the referral has been received and to provide an overview of the Wellbeing Programme
The young person is added to the Wellbeing waiting list
Our Wellbeing Group Coordinator will meet the young person in school to allocate a group based on their needs and interests

Headspace will advise parent/school which group the young person will be attending and start date
Support begins for either 6 or 12 weeks
Wellbeing Group Coordinator will liaise with young person/school/parent if ongoing support is required after 6/12 weeks
Parent and school will be advised when young person completes the Wellbeing Programme and information regarding other relevant support services is provided.