Plymouth College Preparatory School has teamed up with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) under the ‘Give a Child a Chance’ appeal to give the mental health organization regular access to the school’s sport facilities.
Children under the care of CAMHS suffer from a range of emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. Admitted on medical grounds, physical activity plays a key part in their education and preparation for re-integration into mainstream schools.
The hourly sessions in the Prep School’s sports hall will involve a range of activities such as basketball, football and gymnastics with the emphasis being on enjoyment, teamwork and social interaction.
As well as the fortnightly sessions for children under the care of CAMHS, an additional session will be introduced in February for other children taught at Plymouth Hospital School.
Since its introduction five years ago, ‘Give a Child a Chance’ – a collaboration between Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, The Herald and Plymouth and South West Co-operative Society – has raised funds for a new playground at CAMHS, a minibus, various play and therapy equipment and an extension at the Plymouth Child Development Centre providing a parents’ meeting room and two consulting rooms.
Nicky Evans, CAMHS Teacher and Chairperson ‘Give a Child a Chance’ said: “We are really grateful that children receiving education through Plymouth Hospital School, and healthcare through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, can use the brilliant sports facilities at Plymouth College Preparatory School. It helps the children to be active and is beneficial for their general well-being.”
Plymouth College Preparatory School Headmaster, Chris Gatherer, said: “We have great sports facilities here and this seemed the perfect way to share them with children from the wider Plymouth community. Physical Education is important for the development of all children and I’m sure everyone involved will benefit from the sessions.”
