South Shields youngsters given a taste of yoga for World Mental Health Day

Kalma Babies South Tyneside all day visit to Lord Blyton Primary School, winners of the World Mental Health Day competition

Youngsters at Lord Blyton Primary School in Simonside, South Shields, were each given a taster session about the shapes and postures that help bring about relaxation.

Each class was given a 30-minute time slot with Victoria Thompson from Kalma Baby South Tyneside.

The visit to the school was won by its mental health champion Alison Quinn after she entered a competition on Facebook.

Around 240 children had the chance to take part in the Kalma Juniors session, which was hailed a success by teachers and pupils alike.

Alison said: “We thought some of the younger children may struggle with staying focused, but Vicky was excellent and the children really enjoyed taking part.

“It’s the first time we have done anything like this in the school, and it went down really well.

“All the sessions were age-appropriate for the year groups taking part, and it was lovely to see.

“We would love to do something similar in the future and maybe get Vicky back in.”

Throughout the day, the youngsters - many wearing yellow to mark World Mental Health Day - were taught relaxation and meditation techniques and how to imagine a place special to them, that they can go to when things get too much.

Victoria said: “To raise awareness of mental health, we launched a competition on our Facebook page. A number of schools entered and we chose Lord Blyton.

“We worked on poses and practices of yoga, as well as relaxation and meditation techniques.

“All the teachers were in the hall at the same time, so they will be able to use some of the practices in the classroom.

“It was really well received and the children said it was really good.

“One youngster said they would love to go back to their special place again, while another said the best thing was being able to lie down.”

Kalma Baby South Tyneside holds sessions in schools as part of its Kalma Juniors programme.

For details on Kalma Baby or to organise a session visit www.kalmababy.co.uk/southtyneside, email [email protected], or visit Kalma Baby South Tyneside on Facebook.