Colchester St Aubyn Centre helps teenagers gain confidence

A specialist education team is supporting young people at the St Aubyn Centre, a mental health unit for 13 to 18-year-olds run by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.

The centre’s on-site school delivers an academic curriculum alongside personal development activities, and has been rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Some of the animals at the Dedham Therapy Farm (Image: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust)

The education team collaborates with community clubs, groups, and therapeutic activity centres to help build young people’s confidence and sense of belonging.

This is a key focus of Children’s Mental Health Week, which runs from February 9 to 15 and is led by children's mental health charity Place2Be.

Jim English, acting headteacher of the St Aubyn Centre Therapeutic Education Department, said: "We understand that the young people in our hospital are often marginalised because of their mental health problems.

Some of the animals at the Dedham Therapy Farm (Image: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust)

"This has a huge impact on their self-esteem, especially when they are already vulnerable.

"Therefore, we strive to maintain their links with the community, whether this be in arts, culture, sport, or specialised provisions such as the occupational therapy-led Dedham Therapy Farm."

The Dedham Therapy Farm, a long-term partner of the centre, offers young people hands-on experience caring for animals and engaging in team-building tasks such as campfire building and crafts.

Classrooms at the St Aubyn Centre (Image: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust)

Savanna Edwards, occupational therapy assistant at the farm, said: "Those who attend regularly appear to grow in confidence both socially and practically, developing a range of new skills that they can carry forward into their future.

"We consistently see each young person experience a strong sense of achievement after completing activities, which supports their wellbeing and provides valuable opportunities to spend time in a safe, supportive outdoor environment."

The education team also helps teenagers pursue hobbies and new interests, including boxing classes, St John Ambulance youth programmes and cadet groups.

The St Aubyn Centre music room (Image: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust)

Mr English said: "Simple activities such as going shopping to buy all the ingredients for our education cooking sessions also helps the young people to stay connected with the community.

"Many enjoy talking about going shopping with their families and how they help their parents, and feel it gives them a sense of purpose."