AWARD WINNER: Elin has been named a Rising Star in the 2022 Independent Schools of the Year Awards
Shropshire School student Elin Jones won national recognition for providing mental health for her peers at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in London on October 11.
Elin, 19, who attended Ellesmere College, has been named a Rising Star in the 2022 Independent Schools of the Year awards, which recognize and celebrate inspirational work. The Wrexham teen received the award after her dedication, tireless campaign and legacy for the ongoing mental health awareness and support program she established at Ellesmere College.
She has organized funds for over 35 staff and students to receive Mental Health Awareness training and has established a Wellness Suite at the school, a haven for children to have moments of quiet, reflection and support. Elin has also organized several charity days in aid of Young Minds and International Mental Health Day.
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Another legacy of Elin’s is an integrated and ongoing school-wide program – MHESS – Mental Health Support System at Ellesmere, which she developed and expanded shortly after joining Ellesmere College at Sixth Form. Director Brendan Wignall said: “We are immensely proud of Elin, who deserves this award.
“Using her own personal experience of severe depression during her teenage years, she has had a huge impact on life here at Ellesmere.
“His work to ensure a school-wide approach to supporting and helping students of all ages with mental health issues of any severity became even more important during the covid-19 years, when mental health issues among students and young people experienced an exponential increase”.
Elin’s work is implemented with the assistance of nursing staff, pastoral leaders and director of rugby Alex Murphy, a trained counselor who understands the impact of mental health after his professional playing career ended due to injury.
MHESS monitors, assists and advises students with issues such as academic and exam stress as well as other potential personal issues and is designed to safeguard all aspects of any young adult’s mental health and act as a safety net to prevent make situations worse.
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In addition, Time to talk (TTT) sessions with school nurses were initiated and the Lower School developed a Kindness Tree and Problem Box to help younger students share positive acts of caring as well as their concerns. Elin’s legacy sees the school continuing to train new sixth graders and staff who maintain that commitment to the emotional well-being of students.
Mr Wignall added: “This award is for students who overcome adversity or materially exceed normal expectations and Elin is the epitome of that. As a top priority already within our pastoral care system through housemasters, housemothers and tutors, fostering the mental health of our students took another step forward with the implementation of MHESS.
“Elin’s incredible interpersonal skills have allowed everyone at Ellesmere to embrace open conversations, share information and provide the right help and support.”
The awards, run by Independent School Parent magazine, were held at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in London on October 11. The school was one of five finalists in the category and David Moncrieff, Chairman of the Independent School Parent Editorial Advisory Board, said: “The last two years have been one of the most challenging periods in education, but as we move into 2022 , our independent schools are regrouping and refocusing with their usual energy and commitment.
“Whatever challenges they have faced, the independent schools sector has continued to provide an unrivaled education to its students, providing the best possible student experience. Delivering and supporting student excellence is at the heart of each award.”
Posted by Dani Wozencroft
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