PUPILS were given a dedicated space to focus on their mental health as part of a week long project.

St Helena School, in Sheepen Road, ran the Sanctum project for youngsters.

The project, created by education charity Christian Youth Outreach (CYO) Colchester, sees a space set up to allow pupils to think out their lives and take part in activities.

It also ties in with Religious Studies lessons and pupils learn what it is like for people who pray and could explore their own beliefs.

The room consists of between nine and twelve activities using a variety of media and learning styles.

Sarah Watson, deputy headteacher at St Helena School, said: "The Sanctum provides a quiet time of reflection in an unquiet age.

"The Sanctum project is about supporting the emotional well being and mental health of our students, giving them time to slow down and reflect.

"The real impact is in the lives of the young people who visit, the overwhelming majority of whom report that it has made a positive difference to their lives. We hope to run this annually."

Students have described the space as a 'place to relax your soul and calm your thoughts' and a place to forget about bad things in your life.