Boxing Champion Rachel Mackenzie Inspires Teign Students to Become Mental Health Ambassadors

A group of 20 students from across Education South West’s secondary schools recently took part in an inspiring training day atTeign School in Kingsteignton as part of the Youth Sport Trust's Active in Mind initiative. 

Led by Rachel Mackenzie, former World Number 1 Thai Boxer and British Boxing Champion, the day equipped the students with the tools and techniques needed to support their peers with mental health challenges.

The training, which combined physical games and strategies, aimed to show the ambassadors how to use sport and physical activity as a means to engage and support other young people facing mental health difficulties. Through hands-on activities, students learned how to connect with others and provide helpful, healthy ways to manage mental health.

The day concluded with the ambassadors preparing to create and lead their own mental health support programmes in their respective schools. Working closely with a lead member of staff, the students will have the responsibility of organising and managing these initiatives, ensuring that they are student-led and designed to support those who may benefit the most.

The Active in Mind project, which has been successfully running at Teign School for several years, continues to make a positive impact on young people’s mental health. The students involved in the training are now set to carry the torch forward, creating new initiatives that will benefit their peers in the months ahead.

The Youth Sport Trust’s Active in Mind initiative aims to support young people’s mental health by using sport and physical exercise as tools to engage and uplift. By training young ambassadors, the project empowers students to take an active role in supporting their peers through mental health challenges.

Lucie Wagner, Head of School at Teign School said:

“This training day has been a powerful experience for all involved. Our students are already leaders in their communities, and now they are equipped with the skills to make a real difference to the mental wellbeing of their peers. I am so proud of their enthusiasm and dedication to supporting one another.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

“It’s inspiring to see these young ambassadors step up and take on such a crucial role in supporting mental health within their schools. The Active in Mind project has had a positive impact on many students over the years, and we’re excited to see these ambassadors continue the legacy, helping others thrive both mentally and physically.”