Students participated in a yoga class and chocolate tasting to mark World Mental Health Day this week.

Chingford Foundation School in Nevin Drive held an assembly for youngsters on Wednesday, October 10 where members of the school’s Peer Listening Club spoke about mental health issues.

Sharon Goldstone, deputy safeguarding lead and mental health officer at the secondary school, led the yoga session, inviting youngsters to quieten their bodies and minds and be fully present.

Ms Goldstone said: “Life can be very noisy and busy at school with everyone rushing from class to class and with so many students posting on social media, energy levels are drained.

“So I taught students today that their brains are not computers and they don’t need charging - they need to rest.”

At the end of the session, participants said they felt more relaxed and invigorated for an afternoon of learning and many requested weekly wellbeing sessions be held during school hours.

Swabrina Njoku, a public health strategist, and Sally Burns, a public health consultant, both based in the borough, also visited the school to speak about the Waltham Forest Mental Health Charter for Young People and Schools.