Ask the Expert

Helen Broadley

Helen Broadley is principal of the senior division at The King’s School in Macclesfield. Helen has been principal since 2015 and prior to that, taught biology at King’s and in other local independent and state schools. Helen is also the Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at King’s and leads the pupil wellbeing programme at the school.

What are your favourite aspects of your job?

The pupils, they bring so much energy and joy. A highlight of my day is lunchtime when the school comes together in the refectory. My best work is done in this one hour, catching up with news and building relationships and connections with pupils and staff alike. Working with young people is hugely rewarding, you can make a significant and long-lasting impact on their lives.

How is pupil wellbeing promoted at King’s? We aim for proactivity above and beyond reactivity. The pastoral team is highly skilled and trained in all areas of pastoral care and we are constantly updating our knowledge and training and we strive to work in close partnership with our parents. In school, we promote wellbeing through assemblies, form tutor programmes, peer mentoring and workshops. Strong communication systems are crucial, so everyone is fully informed and able to spot those early warning signs. We offer parental workshops, which are delivered in partnership with local charities, Cheshire Police and experts, on topics such as emotional wellbeing, self-harm, bereavement and loss, social media and sexuality.

Jacob Didcock

Jacob Didcock is the Fitness & Wellbeing Manager of Nuffield Health Didsbury. Jacob has over 15 years’ experience as a fitness professional. He has developed a specialist interest in working with individuals needing support with injury rehabilitation, pain management and sports performance and has been able to achieve credible results to a diverse range of clients.

What are the benefits of hiring a personal trainer?

Personal trainers work closely with individuals to establish their health and fitness goals. Hiring a fitness professional means they will create a bespoke exercise programme for you based on your personal goals, and while under their supervision, you will learn how to perform exercises properly to reduce risk of injury. Using a personal trainer will help assess and celebrate your progress towards achieving your goals while providing accountability and additional nutritional, behavioural, and lifestyle management advice.

How does exercise support mental wellbeing?

By being active and performing physical activity, our bodies release a handful of chemicals throughout our body and brain. Some of these chemicals, including dopamine and endorphins, are the body’s natural feel-good hormones and are helpful in reducing stress and sensations of pain. Exercise also regulates mood and alleviates depressive symptoms. Research now suggests that exercise can serve as an effective complement to antidepressants, and even walking for an hour a day can help to reduce the risk of major depression.

How can parents support their teenage children? Listen to them and try not to pass judgement. Stay connected and show an interest in their lives without controlling it. Teenagers need to feel that they are in the driving seat and as a parent, we should be in the passenger seat, offering direction and guidance. Teenagers are going to make mistakes, and mistakes are stepping stones to valuable learning experiences. There is a wealth of support out there for young people, don’t be afraid to seek it out.

How much physical activity should I be aiming to do?

You should aim for 150 minutes a week and you can add to this by attending a regular exercise class or take part in an activity that promotes any form physical movement. Being physically active doesn’t have to include having a gym membership or running marathons, however, it’s important to create a routine that is consistent and to find an activity that you enjoy and which includes moderate and vigorous aerobic activity as well as some muscle strengthening activities.