Young people from across Monmouthshire have joined the council in raising thousands of pounds for mental health support services during this year’s #HelloYellow campaign.
The annual national fundraiser on Friday 9th October, which came 24 hours before Mental Health Day, was organised by YoungMinds – a charity with a mission to ensure all young people get the best possible mental health support so that they have the resilience to overcome life’s challenges.
According to YoungMinds’ research, on average three children in every classroom have a mental health problem and would benefit from additional support and the COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown has had further effects on children and young people’s mental health. It’s hoped that through the work of organisations such as YoungMinds, a real difference can be made and show young people that they are not alone.
Across the country, offices, schools and community groups rallied together on Friday, raising vital funds to assist the charity’s work. At Monmouth Comprehensive £1,327 was raised, Usk Church in Wales Primary School raised £250 and at The Dell Primary School the total was £345.76.
– a lovely message from a student at Raglan V C Primary School
Apart from fundraising, the schools encouraged their students to wear yellow to show their support. These included Undy Primary School, Overmonnow Primary School in Monmouth, The Dell and Pembroke primary schools in Chepstow, Cross Ash Primary School, Kymin View, Ysgol y Ffin in Caldicot and Raglan VC Primary were just a few of the schools that encouraged their pupils to wear yellow and fundraise for the mental health charity.
At Monmouthshire County Council, their ‘virtual’ weekly staff meeting saw colleagues donning the sunny colour, while Foster Monmouthshire shared a poem (above) to help highlight the campaign.
Councillor Sara Jones, Cabinet Member with responsibility for young people, commented: “The work of YoungMinds is incredibly important. The effect of the pandemic on young people should not be underestimated. Their lives and routines have been changed so much over the last seven months, they need all the support available to help them get through this challenging time. I am so pleased to see schools and colleagues within Monmouthshire County Council supporting this campaign, and hope it helps highlight this important issue and raises more funding for YoungMinds’ invaluable work.”