World Mental Health Day

The Wood Foundation marks World Mental Health Day and celebrates the important work of its Excelerate and YPI investments.

Today (10 October), on World Mental Health Day, we are celebrating the important work at Banff Academy, one of our Excelerate school partners, where mental health is a year-round priority.

“We see teaching and learning, and wellbeing as two sides of the same coin – wellbeing supports learning, and meaningful learning enhances wellbeing,” explained Nick Mochan, Deputy Headteacher at Banff Academy.

“When students feel well, they can engage meaningfully with the curriculum, and when they engage in purposeful, relevant learning experiences, their wellbeing improves.”

This holistic approach empowers young people to thrive academically and develop the skills and experiences needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Nick believes that one of the most effective steps school leaders can take to ensure schools are happy and safe places for all students is to foster a strong sense of belonging.

He said: “At Banff Academy, we achieve this through our ‘squad’ model, which emphasizes the importance of community and connection.”

Each squad leader meets with a group of around 15 students every morning, maintaining the same group throughout their time at school. This approach nurtures strong relationships between students and staff, making sure every student feels valued and heard – on World Mental Health Day and every day.

Regular, structured discussions within the squads provide opportunities for personal growth and academic support, creating a safe, connected environment where students are empowered to contribute positively. Banff Academy pupils often host charity coffee mornings or volunteer for good causes in their community.

Through our other investment, the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), The Wood Foundation has also supported many mental health charities over the years – as chosen by young people.