Emmaus Space: Walking alongside our young people

In the time I've been working in pastoral care, conversations around mental health and wellbeing have moved from the margins to quite rightly taking centre stage. We all know that the young people we support today are navigating a complex world. One filled with enormous opportunity, but also with pressure, judgement, uncertainty and noise, which comes not just from the classroom, home or even the community, but from the online world of strangers, news stories, ‘influencers’ and unfiltered opinion. 

At Blanchelande College, we believe that supporting students’ mental health is not an additional initiative or a passing focus, but a core part of our mission to educate the whole child. Our approach to wellbeing is deeply rooted in our college values centred around ‘joy’. Joy in learning, service and faith. We believe in the inherent dignity of every individual and in the importance of recognising each child as a unique individual. For us, wellbeing provision is not about quick-fix solutions or one-size-fits-all ‘packages’; it is about nurturing a culture, a space where students feel known, supported and valued. 

Having worked in pastoral leadership for over fifteen years as head of sixth form, assistant headteacher pastoral care, deputy principal (pastoral), and now vice-principal, I have seen first-hand the difference that proactive and well thought out pastoral structures can make. Grounded in great communication, excellent systems and reflective practice. In every role, one constant I have observed is that young people thrive when they know there is time, space and trusted adults who will walk alongside them. The most effective support is relational, preventative and grounded in genuine understanding of the individual. 

That, I believe, is why proactive support matters. Of course, this sits alongside excellent teaching and high expectations, but young people need spaces where they can pause, reflect and talk. We have made this commitment tangible through the recent addition of a dedicated wellbeing space… 

The Emmaus Space is an intentional addition to our wellbeing provision. It is a space designed to be a calm, welcoming environment. A place where students can momentarily step back from the busyness of the day, engage in conversation, or simply find a moment of quiet.  

Its name is significant. The Emmaus story reminds us of the importance of walking alongside others, listening, and offering hope through presence and understanding. In the same spirit, the Emmaus Space exists not to ‘fix’ students, but to accompany them, walk alongside them.  

And the impact? We can now proudly say we no longer have school refusers or part timetable student; starting the day in this space gives our students the reassurance they need that they have support on site, when they need it. Students feel safe and supported, and our student-led clubs that take place in the space are full! With the theme of Children’s Mental Health Week in mind, our students can genuinely say “this is my place”.