Students at De La Salle School in Basildon have recently completed a six-week mental health and wellbeing course, designed to build life skills and emotional resilience in young people.
The initiative, run by the charity Mind of the Student, saw pupils participate in the EmpowerU programme—a series of engaging sessions tailored to help young people navigate the pressures of modern life.
Jaylan Sesli, Head of Programmes at Mind of the Student, praised the students’ commitment and enthusiasm throughout the course.
“The students really embraced the EmpowerU course,” she said. “They brought openness, reflection, and a willingness to grow each week. It’s been a pleasure to support such a thoughtful and inspiring group of young people.”
The EmpowerU programme takes a holistic approach to youth mental health, addressing key issues like self-care, digital safety, inclusivity, emotional regulation, and building healthy habits. The goal is to give students the practical tools they need to thrive mentally and emotionally—both in school and beyond.
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Funded by the Essex Community Foundation, the programme has been hailed as a vital form of early intervention for mental health.
Kieran Goodwin, Director of Mind of the Student, emphasized the growing need for such programmes:
“With one in five young people now experiencing mental health challenges, the demand for proactive support is higher than ever. We’re eager to roll out EmpowerU across more schools in Essex, but we rely heavily on local supporters and businesses to help us reach more students.”
At De La Salle, the impact has been immediate and noticeable.
Alison Ansary, the school’s lead for the Carnegie Mental Health Award, observed meaningful changes in pupils who took part.
“The EmpowerU programme has made a tangible difference,” she said. “Students are more confident, more self-aware, and better equipped to handle stress and adversity. Their overall wellbeing and engagement—both inside and outside the classroom—have improved significantly.”
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The programme’s success at De La Salle has opened the door to wider implementation across Essex, as schools look for innovative ways to support student wellbeing.
Those interested in supporting or bringing EmpowerU to their school can contact the charity at jaylan@mindofthestudent.org.uk.
