Vivien Ofstedahl

Viv Ofstedahl & Cathy Holland, in front of a student designed mural at The Bridge.

A familiar face at King James Academy Royston and formerly Greneway School, Viv Ofstedahl, started as a PE teacher and developed into the role of Mental Health and Wellbeing lead across the whole school. Having officially retired back in July 2021, she was lured back with an exciting project that was very close to her heart and something that had been discussed, behind the scenes, for some time. With one of the buildings at the senior site no longer in use by the school, there was an opportunity for it to be transformed into a safe and welcoming base for students. This facility, led by the amazing Manager, and now known as The Bridge, supports students with social and emotional needs as well as neuro diverse students who can find many aspects of school challenging. The Bridge was named as such because it ‘bridges the gap’ between home and school and provides the stepping stone for students with additional needs who may require encouragement and support to access the curriculum and school environment. It is already being used by students and the feedback has been extremely positive since its inception in September this year. The Bridge also plays host to a local charity; NESSie, which provides arts therapies and counselling for children and young people.

“It's wonderful to see it up and running and seeing the immediate impact it is having. This is a real community provision and I am confident that it will successfully support young people and their families, in Royston, for very many years to come.” - Viv Ofstedahl.

Viv tells us that launching The Bridge has been a team effort and they had a whole community supporting and helping with the project. As well as Viv, Cathy Holland and Afser Choudhury made up the lead team who were responsible for fundraising, refurbishing and co-ordinating of volunteers to get this off the ground. Many local individuals, charities and businesses contributed with materials, time and skills to get the centre transformed and make it into a provision that is now helping so many.