Successful Weston College Wellbeing Summit
On Wednesday 16th March 2022, Weston College as a joint effort between our Centre for Excellence in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and our College Collaboration Fund Project, saw Sam Mayhew, SEND Director and Ben Knocks, Assistant Principal host a Wellbeing Summit.
The Summit was attended by over 120 people from across the country at a time when self-care and wellbeing has never been more important; this was a ground-breaking event as it was the first-time staff, students, employers, and apprentices were brought together to learn about the impact of trauma and how to navigate the challenges faced in what is still an exceptionally difficult environment.
Also, at part of the Summit The Big House, delivered a fantastic thought-provoking performance of ‘Bullet Tongue Reloaded’, with the group facilitating a discussion on the importance of college programmes focussing on the hidden curriculum. One young person shared her important phrase ‘failure isn’t final’ to articulate how she had overcome so many challenges and learnt so much from her experience to strive for success.
Other contributors included a workshop from James Summerhayes, a Weston College SEND Advanced Practitioner, who started the day with contextualising the impact of trauma on young people. Sandy Day, a UCW Curriculum Coordinator gave attendees an overview of how to create trauma responsive classrooms and work environments and, Georgie Ford, the College’s Excellence Lead - Mental Health delivered a session on understanding and developing emotional literacy.
Participant feedback on the summit included:
‘Thank you, today was very powerful and shows just how the impact of unresolved trauma can impact in a contextual way’ Teacher feedback
‘Today has given me so much to think about, it has taken me out of my comfort zone and given me real food for thought’ Employer feedback
To find out more about the Centres for Excellence in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) please visit: Centres for Excellence in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND): | Special Educational Needs and Disability (excellencegateway.org.uk)
