Supporting Wellbeing: MindMate Pastoral Session

Recently, our students at Dixons Trinity Chapeltown had the opportunity to take part in a pastoral session delivered by MindMate, a Leeds-based mental health and wellbeing service for children, young people and their families.

MindMate was co-designed with young people, professionals and carers to provide clear, accessible information and practical support on a wide range of emotional wellbeing and mental health topics. The service aims to help young people better understand their feelings, develop effective coping strategies and know where to access support when they need it.

During the session, pupils engaged with age-appropriate resources and activities designed to encourage open discussion around mental health. They explored how to recognise and name different emotions, identify situations that may cause stress or worry, and reflect on how to manage these experiences in healthy ways. This focus supports students in developing mastery over their emotional wellbeing by building knowledge, awareness and practical skills.

One student reflected on the small but powerful moments that help them feel positive at school, including “someone saying thank you”, “someone smiling at me” and “the library - it’s calm”. Other reflections highlighted the importance of friendship, support and environment, with pupils sharing that “someone listening to me” and the “after school clubs”  help them to feel settled and supported.

The session also encouraged students to take greater autonomy in caring for their mental health, empowering them to recognise when they may need support and to confidently seek help from trusted adults, both in school and at home. By giving pupils the tools to advocate for themselves and others, the session reinforced the importance of proactive and positive wellbeing choices.

MindMate’s online hub further complements this work by offering ongoing support for young people and families across Leeds. The website includes information on common concerns such as anxiety, low mood and managing change, alongside guidance on resilience, healthy coping strategies and self-care. A dedicated section for parents and carers provides advice on how to support children’s wellbeing at home.

In Leeds, the MindMate service also works alongside wider support networks, including the MindMate Single Point of Access (SPA) and Wellbeing Support, helping children and families connect with appropriate services when additional support is required. This collaborative approach reflects our shared purpose of ensuring that every young person feels supported, understood and able to thrive.

We are proud to host this session as part of our ongoing commitment to pupil wellbeing at Dixons Trinity Chapeltown. By working with trusted local organisations such as MindMate, we continue to strengthen the support available to our school community and reinforce the importance of wellbeing alongside academic success.

For more information about MindMate and the support available to children and families across Leeds, please visit mindmate.org.uk.