Therapy dogs and AI headsets help students with anxiety

Schools and colleges across the county have used grants from Worcestershire Public Health to run health and wellbeing projects.

In her annual report, Worcestershire’s director of public health Lisa McNally said: “We know how important good mental health and wellbeing is in the early years.

“Schools, colleges and early years settings have been able to bid for public health grants to fund innovative projects supporting their students’ health and wellbeing.

“The funding has already been accessed by a range of settings and projects include those improving physical health like Pilates, play equipment and forest school kit.

“Mental health and wellbeing projects include AI headsets to build mindfulness techniques, sensory spaces and trauma-informed counselling support.”

Eckington First School says it has “a growing number of pupils struggling with anxiety”.

In the report, a spokesperson for the school says the introduction of a therapy dog will benefit the ongoing mental health of both pupils and staff.

Heart of Worcestershire College is also using public health funds to tackle anxiety among its students.

“Anxiety in students becomes enhanced during stressful periods such as exams and assignments,” a spokesperson said.

“We are purchasing AI virtual headsets to help students regulate emotions and develop coping strategies.

“This project will enhance our wellbeing and holistic support offer for learners.”

Norton Pre-School has used the funds to buy a new obstacle course and climbing frame for its forest school.

The pre-school is also planning to buy gardening tools and seeds so children can grow their own produce and take it home.

Elsewhere in her report, the director of public health credits a new junior park run in Diglis with helping children and young people to stay active.

You Turn, YMCA youth groups and Horizon Young Leaders are among the youth groups also working to support young people in the county.