Framlinghamian 2023-2024 Single page - web 144dpi - Flipbook - Page 113
WELLBEING
being the 昀椀rst step into the abusive zone.”
Healthy relationships are vital for us to
succeed in all areas of life, and whether
it’s at a new school, in a new career,
Following new legislations which were
heading o昀昀 to university, starting a new
brought in a few years ago, coercive
friendship or relationship – it’s important
control is now recognised under the
to tune into those red 昀氀ags early.”
Serious Crimes Act and is punishable by
up to 昀椀ve years in prison. “There are many
Highlighting key relationship qualities,
di昀昀erent types of abuse,” says Paula,
Paula said: “It’s important to practise skills
“Emotional, physical, psychological,
such as listening and banking information,
sexual, 昀椀nancial – it’s important to know
being trustful and thoughtful, being kind,
the signs to look for in ourselves and in
and making sure yourself and others feel
others.
safe both emotionally and physically
– these are all key positive healthy
“If you experience an uneasy or
relationship qualities. It makes you feel
intimidating situation, don’t ignore it, take
validated and adds reassurance to your
time to re昀氀ect and listen to your body
relationship.
when faced with a threat, listen to your
instincts, and use those skills practised to
“This is the healthy zone, but often there
maintain healthy relationships, and ask
may be moments where we experience
others if they are okay too. You set the
unbalance in our friendship or relationship
bar for relationships, and how you would
which can turn unhealthy – such as a friend
like to be treated is how you should treat
whose banter goes too far and hurts
others.”
your feelings, or a moment where you
may think you are investing more into the
The impact of pupil voice and mental
relationship than the other – which are all
health focused weeks has been imperative
common issues that we need to be aware
to our school community. We now o昀昀er
of.”
three mental health awareness focused
weeks per year: one in October at the
Paula also demonstrated how learning
start of the academic year, for new
to apologise properly is a good way to
pupils and those transitioning into new
strengthen and repair relationships, but it
year groups to gain the valuable support
can also provide you with the 昀椀rst sign of a
they need to set them up for a successful
potential red 昀氀ag.
year; one in January after the Christmas
Break; and one in May, when helping to
“If someone says ‘I’m sorry, but…’ or ‘I’m
manage stress, anxiety and wellbeing is
sorry you feel like that’ they are diverting
vital ahead of study leave and the exam
blame and not taking accountability,”
season.
Paula explains. “This is known as the
amber zone of unhealthy relationships,
At the start of each week, green ribbons
with victim blaming and gaslighting often
are given out to pupils and sta昀昀 to show
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