The Sheffield Springs Academy Healthy Minds Champions

Have won the award for health and wellbeing at the Sheffield Youth Awards.

On Monday, 10 November, Sheffield’s young residents who go above and beyond for their schools, communities, and good causes were celebrated at the third annual Sheffield Youth Awards 2025.

Healthy Minds Champions empowers students to contribute to school improvement around emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Healthy Minds Champions began at Sheffield Springs Academy in 2022 and, although its members have changed over the years, they have continued to meet weekly on Friday mornings.

It is facilitated by Jayne Newton from Sheffield Springs Academy and Rachel Barnes (Senior Education Mental Health Practitioner from Sheffield Mental Health Support Team).

Members

At present, 14 members regularly attend the meeting.

Highlights of Their Work:

Delivered a whole-school assembly to over 800 students on managing stress — later shared with the Sheffield Mental Health Support Team.
Provided feedback to senior leadership to help improve wellbeing across school.
Took part in Children’s Mental Health Week by writing powerful letters to their younger selves on the theme “Know yourself to grow yourself.”
Organised a community breakfast for elderly residents.
Are developing a form-time PowerPoint to encourage kindness throughout school.
Are preparing to record a presentation on male mental health.

Participation in the group has helped students grow in confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork, while giving them a voice in shaping school life.

Please join us in congratulating the students, staff, and school community for their commitment to mental health and for investing in the wellbeing of their school community.

Posted 12 November 2025