23 November 2021
As part of Woldingham’s focus to promote wellbeing and equip students with the skills to thrive in today’s world, mental health campaigner Hope Virgo ran sessions for students in Years 9 to Upper Sixth on Tuesday 16 November in school with additional online talks on Tuesday 23 November.
Having experienced and recovered from an eating disorder, Hope is now an author, campaigner and educator. Hope recently worked with the UK government and travels all over the world, working in schools and hospitals to look at issues around eating disorders, exercise addiction and more broadly at that entire spectrum of mental health issues.
Hope’s engaging talks resonated with Woldingham students as she talked about the stigma and perceived lack of understanding. Using her personal experience of recovery from anorexia over the past 13 years, Hope talked about ways in which students can manage their own well being as well as support others around them.
Physical and mental wellbeing are central to the pastoral care provided at Woldingham. In addition to specialist talks and sessions throughout the year, such as this one from Hope Virgo, we provide specialist professional counselling for students who need it, a free online hub for parents and students, as well as in-school support from nurses in our Health Centre, tutors, Heads of Year and our boarding team.