Former Paralympian Kate Grey inspires students at Broadoak

Staff and students at Broadoak Academy were delighted to welcome former Team GB Paralympian and BBC pundit, Kate Grey.

Kate delivered the first session of the Active in Mind project, run by the Youth Sport Trust.

The Active in Mind project is a school-based intervention designed to prevent and improve mental health issues in adolescents. It tackles teenage stress and anxiety by pairing young people with peer mentors, using sport and physical activity to build resilience, body awareness and social connection.

During her visit, Kate delivered training for Year 9 student mentors, equipping them with the skills and confidence to support fifteen Year 7 students. The programme uses evidence-based approaches to address stress and anxiety, helping young people develop personal strategies for resilience while harnessing the power of peer mentoring through a trauma-informed approach.

Later in the day, the Year 7 students had the opportunity to put these strategies into practice through a range of practical activities, encouraging teamwork, communication and mutual support.

Mark Poulding, Head of Physical Education at Broadoak Academy, said: “It was a privilege to welcome Kate Grey to Broadoak Academy and launch the Active in Mind project with our students.

“Kate’s experiences, enthusiasm and passion for using sport to support wellbeing were truly inspiring. This programme will equip our Year 9 mentors with valuable leadership skills while giving our Year 7 students practical strategies to build resilience, confidence and positive mental health.

“We are excited to see the positive impact it will have across our school community.”