Movement isn’t just about physical activity

As Mental Health Awareness Week unfolds across Britain, schools and health services are set to embark on a week centred on resilience, positivity, and awareness raising. For us at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust within Oasis Restore , this week signifies not just an observance, but a profound commitment to a truly integrated model of care & education which nurtures young minds and bodies so that children at Oasis Restore Secure School have the opportunity to reach their full potential & be the best they can be.

This year's theme for Mental Health Awareness Week, "Movement: moving more for our mental health," resonates deeply with the ethos of our CNWL healthcare team at Oasis Restore. Within the school, our health and wellbeing team has been specifically crafted to reflect the interconnectedness of physical health and mental wellbeing, with holistic care being a cornerstone of our integrated approach.

For us, movement is not only about the physical activity. We are dedicated to movement in its multiple forms. It's about more than encouraging children to engage in physical exercise; it's about catalysing movement in thought, in systems, and in stories. From fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to tailoring personalised care, every aspect of the healthcare offer at Oasis Restore is about championing progress.

At the heart of our endeavour lies the principle of building meaningful relationships—with children, with families and with each other. Every interaction in our school is an opportunity to make a lasting impact, forge connections, and empower each child to be the best they can be. Our CNWL health and wellbeing approach is tailored to develop these relationships, fostering collaboration and ensuring relational security. Through our integrated model, we aim for every child to perceive and experience one cohesive team dedicated to their care.

Central to our healthcare and wellbeing offer is an integrated, multidisciplinary team deeply embedded within each child's transdisciplinary framework. Using a core team approach with children breaks down traditional silos, ensuring access to a wide range of clinical specialists to address holistic needs, at the right time.

Beyond addressing ailments, our team promotes healthy lifestyles, self-care, and addresses health inequalities. Our school curriculum emphasizes enrichment, exploration, and empowerment, drawing upon diverse experiences to offer meaningful learning opportunities; our healthcare team are embedded within this. We collaborate to shape the PSHCE curriculum, creating reflective spaces where children explore their emotional, physical and social health. Partnering with third-sector organizations, we are developing innovative solutions tailored to our students. Our healthcare staff are integral to community life, contributing to meetings, education, and reviews while upholding our school's values, fostering inquiry, reflection, and restoration.

In the end, Mental Health Awareness Week isn't just a week-long event; it's a testament to an ongoing commitment. It's about recognising the power of movement, in all its forms, to change systems, transform lives, inspire progress, and nurture resilience. And for our integrated healthcare and wellbeing team at the school, it's a reminder that in movement lies the key to unlocking the full potential of every child.

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