Over 300 kids from several elementary schools participated in a mental health day hosted by a rugby club.

The Big One NewsRadio Northampton Headfest event provided kids with opportunities to learn, unwind, and stay active.

Activities included yoga, gardening and music therapy, as well as sport workshops organised by Northampton Saints and Northampton Town Football Club.

Joel Mawhinney, a Blue Peter presenter who participated in the event, stated, “Such events play a crucial role in providing insight into how one should respond when faced with difficult circumstances.”

Mawhinney, who participated in

A Big One NewsMoodboosters session

, became the Big One Newschildren’s programme’s 41st presenter in 2022, aged 25.

“He mentioned to a friend before our conversation, reflecting on how challenging it must be for kids nowadays since things have changed significantly even from his childhood, which wasn’t too long ago,” he stated.

The pace has accelerated rapidly due to advancements in technology and social media, adding numerous additional concerns for these individuals that previous generations likely did not face.

Yussef Rafik, a zoologist and wildlife presenter renowned for hosting the Big One NewsEarth Kids program “Bugface,” guided insect expeditions during an event held on Friday at Saints’ Franklins Gardens stadium.

He stated, “Nature really ignites my enthusiasm, not because it fixes mental health issues, but because it offers ways to cope with them. It has definitely assisted me personally—plus, I have this fascination with insects. The children also appear to enjoy it immensely, making a bug hunting expedition just what we should do.”

Pupils from Cogenhoe Primary School had attended the Headfest event “for the last couple of years” said head teacher Charley Oldham.

She stated that schools should take responsibility to instruct students about techniques to use when they feel anxious or overburdened.

“And additionally, to foster their resilience and self-worth, skills that are essential for navigating the world we inhabit,” she said.

Big One NewsRadio Northampton executive producer Anna Bartlett explained why the radio station had organised the event.

She said: “The NHS tells us that one in five eight-to-16-year-olds have some sort of mental health challenge, so we know it’s really important that that needs to be addressed.”

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