We were proud to welcome the Young Persons Mental Health Forum to our Velindre site, providing an exciting opportunity for learners to take part in the Peer Ambassador Mental Health Training programme.

The programme was designed to equip young people with the knowledge, confidence and skills to Support, Observe and Signpost (S.O.S.) their peers who may be experiencing mental health challenges. Through interactive training and discussion, participants gained a greater understanding of mental health and explored how they can play a positive role in supporting the well-being of those around them.

By developing peer ambassadors, the initiative empowers young people to recognise when someone may need support, listen with empathy and help them access appropriate guidance when needed. The programme also reinforces the importance of creating an open and supportive environment where talking about mental health is encouraged and valued.

A huge “Thank You” goes to our Cynnydd staff who have worked alongside the local authorities well-being team for organising and delivering this valuable opportunity. Their commitment to promoting positive mental health ensures that our learners have access to meaningful experiences that help them grow in confidence, resilience and understanding.

Special recognition must also go to our outstanding school representatives, Dennis and Liam, whose commitment, enthusiasm and leadership were evident throughout the programme. They represented the school exceptionally well and embraced their role as advocates for positive mental health among their peers.

Initiatives such as this help strengthen our school community by encouraging kindness, understanding and mutual support. We are delighted to see our learners taking an active role in promoting well-being and look forward to the positive impact the Peer Ambassador programme will have across our school. 

The Peer Ambassador programme also reflects our commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). By helping learners understand and support mental health, the initiative promotes Article 12, which gives children and young people the right to have their views heard, and Article 24, which recognises their right to the best possible health and well-being. It also supports Article 29, which focuses on developing learners' talents, confidence and abilities, empowering them to become active and responsible members of their community.

We would like to thank everyone involved in making this event such a success and for helping to build a more informed, supportive and mentally healthy community for all.