Tilston Parochial Primary is a small rural school in Cheshire which depends on TSA funding to enhance pupils' learning and wellbeing. We have just launched our biggest campaign yet, raising money for a purpose-built Wellbeing Pod.

Over the last few years, wellbeing and its effects on children’s future mental health has become better understood. We know that how our children respond to mental health issues at primary school age can significantly impact them later on in life. Today’s children are tomorrow’s future, so how we act now is vital in helping to ensure well rounded forthcoming generations.

Currently we have one teacher, Mrs Huxtable, who is the wellbeing lead at our school. Any child, or family at our school can spend time with Mrs Huxtable, to discuss issues that may be worrying them. These vary from dealing with self-esteem challenges, bereavement, changes in family situations to more complex needs.

These sessions are as frequent as individuals need and are currently held in the school library, in a specially designated area. While the space is welcoming and calming it is not private, which for some situations is not right. An office is also not the right environment for these sessions to take place, children open up more and are more inclined to engage when they are in a comfortable environment that is on their level, not an office setting. 

It is for this reason that we need your help. We would like to create a private wellbeing space that will encourage users to engage with these crucial services. We would like to raise funds to have our own Wellbeing Pod. The Pod will be purpose built for our school families wellbeing needs; it will provide a safe, private space in which children can speak to Mrs Huxtable in confidence. This is not a luxury, it is a necessity, and the whole school family and wider community will benefit from the opportunities that the Pod will provide.

This is where we need your help! A fully fitted, purpose-built pod, including electrics will cost us £12,000. The Tilston School Association (TSA), which is a registered charity, has agreed to fund £3,000 which leaves a further £9,000 that we need to find. The Malpas Amateur Gardeners have offered to create a garden around the Pod to include pathways, raised vegetable beds and a bee-friendly flower bed. The Pod and the garden will be such a wonderful part of the school to be used for the benefit of the children's wellbeing and enjoyed by many for years to come.

If you would like to be part of a lasting legacy by making a donation it would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks for your time taken to read our campaign.