Schools uniting for student wellbeing

One of the South West’s leading health educators is bringing together key stakeholders in an effort to improve the wellbeing of school students in the region.

Happywhenfit founder Danae Cornford called on schools to get on board with the Healthy Schools Committee and has received an overwhelming response.

She is now preparing for the committee’s first meeting, which will be a step forward in making healthy changes to school life.

“The Healthy Schools Committee is something I have wanted to do for a while but I just needed to build a network of people who wanted to be involved and shared the same vision I do,” Ms Cornford said.

“That is just to bring all of our resources by using different people in our community to make better opportunities within our schools and communities for better health options.”

Ms Cornford speaks of the three pillars of health; nutrition, mental health and fitness.

The committee will meet once a term, bringing together school teachers and community groups.

“I always talk to teachers and principals at schools and they always explain to me there is such a need for what I am doing, so what I wanted to see is more of what I am doing, having an impact over a longer term,” Ms Cornford said.

“I started putting expressions of interest out and I got a fantastic response.

“I knew it needed to be more than schools and teachers so I have also invited community representatives in the health and wellbeing sector and they have been keen to support it too.”

The committee is set to meet for the first time later this month, with formal meetings once a term.

“Things get done when you have the support of a much bigger network,” Ms Cornford said.

“We will also do some social things as well.

“We will be surprised I think, once we start, how many of us share that same passion, we just haven’t had the chance to come together yet.”