Headfest: Mental health 'can affect any age'

Activities at Headfest have included music therapy

A primary school teacher has stressed the importance of teaching children to be aware of good mental health, saying it "can affect any age".

Jo Marten, the nurture lead at Abington Vale Primary School, was at BBC Radio Northampton's annual Headfest event with pupils from the school.

Children aged nine and 10 took part in activities to promote good mental health, including gardening and storytelling.

Mrs Marten said: "Teaching [the children about] emotional resilience gives them the tools to prepare for change."

Jo Marten, who is holding a tub of pea seeds, and students from Abington Vale Primary School found out about the benefits of gardening

According to the charity Mind, one in four people will experience a mental health problem each year.

At Headfest, at the University of Northampton, people can find out what wellbeing support is available in Northamptonshire, and can connect with others facing challenges.

As pupils planted pea shoots, Mrs Marten described gardening as a "transformative" activity, adding the children "see something from start to finish, and they own it".

Max, a year five pupil, noted how "healthy" fresh peas were, while classmate Cody said it would be "cool" to see the peas grow.

Kosie the therapy dog was at Headfest

A popular Headfest attendee was Kosie, a therapy dog who visits care homes, hospitals, and schools.

Kosie was a hit with pupils at Pattishall Church of England Primary School.

Harry said stroking Kosie made him feel "very happy". Evelyn said "she felt calm" being near Kosie, and Kayden added that petting a dog helped to lift his mood when he felt "angry".

Headfest is at the University of Northampton until Friday.