Year 6 children have fun "moving up!" in Gillingham.

The project was organised by the Wellbeing Team at Gillingham Medical Practice, following funding from Dorset Council Local Alliance Group. The aim was to support children moving from primary to secondary school with their mental health and with any fears and anxieties by seeing the school in a fun and relaxed way, as well as meeting other year 6 leavers.

Both days ran very successfully, with a total of 76 children attending.  Children chose from different workshops throughout each day – Lego, drama, art, tag rugby and circus skills, all run by experienced providers. There was also a chillout room for young people who needed some space at any point during the day with a variety of calming activities on offer. 

Karen Johnson, social prescriber for young people and families at Gillingham Medical Practice said:

“the young people’s response to this event has been amazing and it has been lovely to see them all enjoying themselves.  

We have received a lot of really positive feedback from parents, and from the children themselves, as well as everyone involved in the days”. 

Each child was given a goodie bag to take home at the end of the day and a superb lunch was provided by the Filling Station, Station Road, Gillingham. Helpers came from various local organisations, and other services were also involved in the days.

Depending on funding, another event is planned for next summer to provide next year’s primary school leavers with a similar experience.  

Karen added, finally by saying:

“It was a great 2 days – lots of hard work, lots of preparation and nail-biting moments in the run up – but lots and lots of fun!”