Today, on World Mental Health Day, one mentor is marking a year of supporting students at Allestree Woodlands School.
From listening intently to going for walks to help take their mind off exams, Kobe the cockapoo has been helping hundreds of youngsters at Allestree Woodlands School.
Last year, on World Mental Health Day, Kobe completed his training to become a Dog Mentor, enabling him to go into the school to support students with their wellbeing and concentration.
Since then, Kobe has become a regular sight in classrooms and corridors at the school in Blenheim Drive, as he attends open evenings and parents’ evenings. He even snuck into the Year 11 prom!
But more importantly, he has also been working one-to-one to help students suffering from nervousness about attending school, exam stresses and trouble focussing.
Rachel Brailsford, assistant headteacher and certified senior mental health lead, is Kobe’s owner and handler. She said it has been amazing to see the effect Kobe is having on students.
“The students have responded so well to having Kobe in school. You can see immediately the calming effect he has when he’s in a classroom and the feedback I’ve had about how he’s helped students feel less worried is just fantastic.”
One of Kobe’s roles has been to support students struggling with anxiousness around attending school. Rachel has been able to take him to collect students and walk into school with them.
She said: “For a whole variety of reasons, some students can struggle with coming through the school gates and for some of these pupils, we’ve been able to use walking Kobe as a way to relieve that anxiousness and reward them for consistently coming to school.”
Also benefitting from walking Kobe are A-level students. Last academic year, Year 12 students were able to take him for walks to relieve exam stress and it is something Kobe will be doing again this year.
Year 13 student Ellie Morley said: “I enjoy taking Kobe for a walk in my free time, it helps take away the pressure of A Levels, even for a short time.”
Other students who may be struggling to cope with anxiety or other concerns have also been able to take time out to sit with Kobe and calm down.
Year 9 student who didn’t want to be named, said: “Kobe has helped me as he has been a big part in helping me behave and I can take a break from school and problems when I am with Kobe.”
Kobe already has a busy calendar for this academic year, having attended Year 6 and post 16 opening evenings. He will also be involved in meet the tutor events and options evenings taking place in the New Year.
