Felixstowe schools' chaplain to improve mental health

Julie Ludditt is working to obtain her certificate in Contemporary Chaplaincy

Two schools have appointed a volunteer chaplain for the first time to help children with their mental health.

The Federation of Fairfield and Colneis School in Felixstowe welcomed Julie Ludditt to their team two weeks ago.

The role is supported by local charity Boost, who build partnerships between faith and education.

Ms Ludditt said she is excited to "support the spiritual, mental and emotional wellbeing of the young people".

Julie Ludditt will work with pupils from Fairfield Infant School and Colneis Junior School

Ms Ludditt hopes the role will develop in the coming months, as she has initially focused on building relationships with the pupils.

"As they get to know me better, know that I'm interested in them and that I'm there to listen... they will probably open up," she said.

"The idea is eventually I will have a group of children that are referred to me."

'Curiosity about life'

Ms Ludditt, who is an ordained minister, previously worked as a Salvation Army officer, a family support worker with Home-Start, and as a chaplain with various cadet forces.

She admitted that working with children has required a different approach to conversations.

"You have to start with what they're interested in and what they want to talk about that day," she said.

"It might be something they've done in school or outside of school. It might just be general chit-chat, sitting down and playing with whatever game they're playing - it's very much child led."

The role goes beyond connecting children with the church, as Ms Ludditt explained a key focus is the children's curiosity about life.

"One of the things about children is their curiosity. I think that's a really good thing to key into for their spiritual and mental development," she said.

Mark Girling, headteacher of the infant and junior schools, said: "We are delighted that Julie has agreed to undertake the role as school chaplain.

"We already have good links with local faith leaders who support us throughout the year, so we hope that Julie will be able to share her knowledge and understanding of young people to meet the needs of the children in our federation."