Wellbeing Day 2024: Collège Champittet's Innovative Approach to Student Mental Health

At Collège Champittet, we are continually innovating to better care for the wellbeing and mental strength of our students.

During the 2023-2024 school year, we chose to focus on this essential topic through a series of dedicated activities and workshops.Mental health issues increasingly affect children and teenagers worldwide, and Switzerland is no exception. According to a study by UNICEF, one third of 14- to 19-year-olds in Switzerland are affected by mental health problems. The Pro Juventute Foundation, which provides a support hotline for children and youth in Switzerland, has reported a significant increase in calls concerning problems like depression and anxiety, with cases of self-harm on the rise.In response to the growing need for psychological support, we have invited mental health experts to speak with our students while also introducing new initiatives to support wellbeing at school.

To cap off the academic year, we organised a half-day wellbeing event on May 29th full of relaxing activities for students of all ages. Teachers and staff were also invited to participate in our programme of activities, including yoga classes, breathing exercises and self-massage workshops. In addition, we inaugurated our new “quiet garden” – a special space for students to relax and recharge while being immersed in nature.

It was wonderful to see our Champittet community enjoying activities together to support their mental strength and wellbeing. Held just before the exam period, this relaxing interlude offered our students a well-deserved break.