Children’s feelings and how to deal with them were top of the agenda as this year’s Northamptonshire Headfest, which took place at the Northampton University.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) teacher Paula O’Meara from St Andrew’s Healthcare’s LightBulb programme held a session for the school children who attended the annual event.

Headfest welcomed pupils from across the county, giving Paula the chance to talk with learners about recognising their emotions and finding someone to talk to when things feel overwhelming.

Paula said: “We all have feelings, but it can sometimes take a bit of work to understand what those feelings are and why we’re feeling them. For children, identifying how they’re feeling and why can be especially challenging, which is why our sessions have become so important to schools.

“Teachers are now starting to recognise that delivering pastoral care to our young people is just as important as their education. Anxious and stressed kids will not learn, so we firmly believe that we need to create a positive and supporting culture for our children so they are eager for their education.”

Speaking after the LightBulb session, one student said: “I talk to my teacher when I’m feeling worried.”

Another pupil added: “I have a teddy bear that I talk to.”

A schoolteacher later added: “It’s easy to forget how important it is for young people to have someone they trust to talk to.”

CAMHS College Headteacher Peter Rainford said: “This year’s Headfest was a huge success, and LightBulb was proud to be invited to take part. We feel very strongly about working with our young people to ensure they are more aware of their feelings and we can all openly promote good mental health.”