Hitchin’s Priory School and youth charity Phase hosted nearly 200 students and staff at their second annual mental health and wellbeing conference on Friday.

The Comet: The Ollie Foundation lead volunteer Verity Bramwell and trustee Jane Johnstone at the Priory School wellbeing mental health conference. Picture: Danny LooThe Ollie Foundation lead volunteer Verity Bramwell and trustee Jane Johnstone at the Priory School wellbeing mental health conference. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

The school off Bedford Road ran the conference alongside charity Phase, with assistant head Katie Southall taking the lead alongside Phase director Kieran Murphy.

The theme of the day was improving resilience, with many schools, charities and agencies attending to share their knowledge and expertise.

There were sessions about the teen brain, mindsets, yoga, resilience and even a climbing wall challenge.

Ms Southall told the Comet: “Developing resilience is vital for not only education, but as a life skill and it is something that The Priory School are committed to. It forms the foundation of our mission – responsibility, respect, and resilience for all.

The Comet: Students and staff from around Herts speak to mental health professionals at the Priory School wellbeing mental health conference. Picture: Danny LooStudents and staff from around Herts speak to mental health professionals at the Priory School wellbeing mental health conference. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

“As a teacher, I am acutely aware that students are so scared of failure. It is our job to educate them otherwise. As a school we want to see students grow, develop and flourish.”

Mr Murphy said: “Everyone at Phase was passionate about being involved with such a great event.

“Phase exists to see the wellbeing and resilience of young people grow ,and what better way to do this than to empower young people to be the change?

“Young people, school staff, parents and everyone needs to know what they can do to support themselves and those around them. Phase will do all they can to help this happen.”

He added that the team would like to thank their partners Fortem, LV=, Waterstones, Hitchin Youth Trust, Hitchin Rotary and R-Active for their support and commitment.

You can find out more about what Phase does in Hitchin at phase-hitchin.org.