The Wycombe Abbey Wellness Box

20 October 2021 - All

With the continued focus on adolescent mental health and the negative effects of two periods of national lockdown well-publicised, we wanted to make sure that our pupils returned for the new academic year with a “toolkit” of wellbeing accessories to highlight the importance of prioritising both their mental and physical health. It was from this mindset that the idea for the Wycombe Abbey Wellness Boxes was born. I, alongside Claire Maddock our School Counsellor, put together a box for all pupils within our community over the summer break, and these were delivered to the Houses during the first week of the Autumn Term 2021. These boxes included a Wellness Journal authored by Claire Maddock, a mindful colouring book and colouring pencils, a wooden fidget toy, a sleep mask and pair of fluffy socks, some battery-powered fairy lights, camomile tea bags and a succulent plant. There was also a card that signposted pupils to the people around them within the community who are able to offer them pastoral support. These boxes have proved to be immensely popular, with year groups and Boarding Houses taking the time to discuss its’ contents and, for some, enjoy some time together painting the terracotta pots that the succulent plants came in.

The messaging surrounding being open about one’s mental health is something that has been advocated strongly within School by the wider pastoral team and through our Wellbeing Curriculum, spearheaded by the Head of Wellbeing, Miss Sophie Blunt. With World Mental Health Day having taken place on Sunday 10 October, our community continues to showcase the strength that can be found in taking time away from day-to-day pressures in order to look after our own wellbeing and mental health, and it has been an absolute pleasure to witness so many pupils continue to spend time delving into their Wellness Boxes. It has been particularly enjoyable to hear reports of the pupils’ enjoyment of these boxes from those working most closely with them; the Housemistress. One Housemistress has said the following about the pupil reaction to the Wellness Boxes – “A note to say how much the girls have enjoyed opening the boxes! There are fairy lights everywhere, everyone is talking about fluffy socks and a dorm was sitting in a circle at bedtime writing in their journals so a big success I would say.”

Miss Georgina Taylor, Shelburne Housemistress added, “The boxes were very much well received with some commenting on the “lovely surprise” they had on their first day back at School. They have enjoyed reflecting on their day in the journals and decorating their rooms with the fairy lights. The girls also used the opportunity to come together and integrate with other year groups for a plant pot painting party to decorate their terracotta pots for their new plants – which now adorn their dorm rooms!”

Mrs Vicky Fawkes
Director of Safeguarding and Pupil Welfare