Self-expression was on the timetable when pupils at a WNAT school swapped their uniforms for something brighter to promote mental health awareness.

Children across all age groups at Clenchwarton Primary took part in the annual Hello Yellow campaign in support of the charity Young Minds, wearing yellow on Friday 9 October for World Mental Health Day and donating to the cause.

Billy Overton is Assistant Headteacher at the school.

“Clenchwarton take part in Hello Yellow every year,” he said. “Staff join in too, and there was an assembly to mark the day, as well as some linked activities in class based around supporting our wellbeing and mental health.

“These included drawing posters, making kindness chains with positive messages, or class discussions around how we look after our mental wellbeing.”

Other participating Trust schools included West Lynn Primary, St Clement’s High School, and Smithdon High School.

Mr Overton continued: “It’s important for us, and lots of children suffer from problems with confidence, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. Often these children try to hide or mask what’s really going on inside.

“Wearing yellow helps to raise this issue and let everyone know there are people you can talk to and websites to visit for advice – nobody is on their own.

“The children really enjoy dressing up in yellow and parents are able to donate to help support the cause.”

He added: “This gives us an opportunity to share how we feel and to see that we all go through similar things or have worries at different times in our lives – we shouldn’t be ashamed of it.

“We should own our own situations and be positive – work with others, share how we feel, and know that we’re not alone.

“The more children see positivity like this, the more we share, and the better the support and advice we can offer.”