Students in Years 7–10 were fortunate this week to take part in workshops led by Carly Seymour, Engagement Lead at Kooth, an organisation dedicated to supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

The workshops focused on the benefits of kindness and how bringing more kindness into our daily lives can have profound positive effects, not only for ourselves, but for those around us.

Carly shared the science behind kindness, explaining that:

• Kindness releases “feel-good” brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, which boost happiness and improve mood.

• Kindness can lower blood pressure, helping to reduce stress.

• Kindness supports positive changes in the brain, increasing resilience and compassion.

Students also explored practical ways to bring more kindness into their lives. Simple actions, such as smiling, were highlighted – kindness really is infectious! Other examples included offering help at home, volunteering in the community, and being kinder to ourselves.

All students left the workshop with a card explaining how to access Kooth should they ever feel worried, low, or simply need someone to listen. Carly was also available in the Student Hub at break times to speak to students directly.

Kooth is a FREE, safe and anonymous online service that children and young people aged 11–25 in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight can access for mental health and wellbeing support. Alongside self-help resources and community forums, fully qualified counsellors are available online until 10pm each evening. Visit kooth.com for full details.

We are incredibly grateful to Carly for supporting our students and for reinforcing one of Medina College’s core values: Together we succeed with Kindness.