WIREDGOV

The Prince of Wales visited the West Midlands to learn about initiatives across the region that are supporting people’s mental health and wellbeing.

His Royal Highness started the day at St Michael’s Church of England High School in Sandwell, learning about the award-winning, student-led initiatives available to pupils to support their mental health. 

The Prince of Wales was initially invited to visit the school in a letter sent by twelve-year-old student Freddie Hadley last October. Whilst unable to visit at the time, His Royal Highness replied to the letter with a message on X on World Mental Health Day, and today surprised Freddie and his fellow students, commending them on their work to tackle mental health challenges faced by pupils.

St Michael’s employs a “whole school” approach to mental health and wellbeing, including through pupils’ group ‘Student Voice’, which was launched in 2012 and consists of up to 100 students who work together on initiatives ranging from fundraising to working with elderly members of the community. 

His Royal Highness then travelled to Woodgate Valley Urban Farm, which is dedicated to supporting children and young people struggling to access education, and those experiencing mental health challenges.

The Prince of Wales met staff and volunteers on the six-acre site - which includes the farm, woodlands and orchards - and heard more about therapeutic programmes for children including the upkeep of a variety of animals living at Woodgate Valley.