Our Trust has been marking Children’s Mental Health Week with a series of powerful live performances from rising Leicester indie rock band, The Mercians – bringing music and important conversation to students across our secondary schools.
The sessions combined live music with important messages around mental health and wellbeing. Alongside their performances, band members spoke openly about the challenges they have faced and how they have worked to overcome them, encouraging students to talk openly, seek support and look out for one another.
The Mercians – who supported Jess Glynne’s tour in 2024 – performed at four of our secondary schools – Thrybergh Academy, Clifton Community School, Rawmarsh Community School and The Gainsborough Academy – during Children’s Mental Health Week, with a final performance scheduled at Wickersley School and Sports College in March.
The Mercians said: “Being able to use this platform to encourage people to talk has always been something we said we’d do if we got the chance to have an impact. The main takeaways we want to put across for students is that it’s okay to go through a rough patch and it’s very very normal to do so. A lot of young people are struggling with modern pressures and it’s definitely more important than ever to make sure we’re checking in on those around us. The more we can normalise those little check-ins, not only will it be easier for people to reach out when they need it, but we will continue to proactively approach these topics to improve quality of life across the country.”
When asked one thing he learnt from the session, Andile, Y8 student from Clifton Community School, said: “Going through bad mental health times is okay but it’s important to speak to people so that they know what you’re going through.”
Oliver, Y7, at Thrybergh Academy, added: “It was very good. I liked how they talked about mental health, and about how talking to other people can make you feel better.”
Helen O’Brien, CEO at Wickersley Partnership Trust, commented: “Children’s Mental Health Week is an important opportunity to reinforce that wellbeing is at the heart of education. We are committed to ensuring that every student across our Trust feels supported, heard and valued.
“The Mercians’ honesty and relatability has a real impact on our young people. Their message – that it’s okay to experience difficult periods and that reaching out is a strength – aligns perfectly with our commitment to promoting positive mental health in all of our schools.”
Children’s Mental Health Week is an annual event in the UK that shines a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s wellbeing, encouraging open conversations, understanding, and support so that young people feel confident to seek help when they need it.
While our Trust prioritises mental health and wellbeing throughout the year, events like this provide an important opportunity to focus attention on these vital issues, celebrate positive initiatives, and reinforce the message that no one has to face challenges alone.
Our dedicated pastoral teams, mental health leads, and range of support systems are in place across all schools to ensure every student can access the guidance and care they need.
