Aberdeen’s four independent schools have announced they will collaborate to deliver a series of free online seminars focused on mental health and wellbeing.

The virtual Wellbeing in Difficult Times series is the first of its kind in the city and will see ISA, Robert Gordon’s College, St Margaret’s School for Girls and Albyn School – collectively known as Aberdeen Independent Schools (AIS) – come together to deliver four online conferences featuring a variety of expert speakers.

ISA is delighted to be hosting the first seminar, with Dr Bruce Lawrie, Consultant Psychologist who will demonstrate how to focus on managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviour in life situations, to ultimately develop confidence in their ability to exercise control over lives, including how they function at school, home, socially, and at work.

The virtual session, entitled “The ‘Power of Mind’ to Enhance Your Mental & Physical Wellbeing”, will take place on Thursday, February 18th at 7.30pm and is open to all.

Nicholas Little, ISA Head of School says:

““As one of the city’s four independent schools, we are delighted to take part in this collaborative venture. Student wellbeing is at the heart of every school and at ISA we strive to provide extra care and support to each one of our learners, allowing them to reach their maximum potential in a way that works for them.

“We recognise that an active and healthy lifestyle is a vital component to our students’ wellbeing. A physical outlet provides children with routine, purpose, and fun throughout the challenges they are facing during lockdown. In spite of the global pandemic and the subsequent move to online learning, our students continue to thrive, and we believe that by incorporating physical activity into their lives, they can stay emotionally healthy and reach their full learning potential.”

“As we prepare to host the first in the series of AIS online seminars, we would like to invite the wider local community to join us as we explore the fundamental link between a healthy mind and body.”

Robert Gordon’s College will welcome guest speakers Jane Lunnon, Lena Carter and Graham Goulden, on Tuesday, March 2nd, who will deliver an online seminar focused on ‘Impact and Opportunity relating to the Covid-19 pandemic’.

St Margaret’s School for Girls welcomes Dr Tharaka Gunarathne, known as ‘Dr T’, on Wednesday, March 17th, in a webinar entitled ‘Look after your SWANS: Dr T’s 5 Key Areas to Better Resilience.’ Dr T is a medical doctor-psychiatrist turned professional speaker, presenter and high-performance life coach. He is a three times TEDx speaker, Podcaster and has recently been featured on a new reality TV show soon to be aired in the UK.

Albyn School will host the last in the series of seminars on Tuesday, March 30th, when they welcome Astrid Whyte, CEO, Mental Health Aberdeen, who will discuss the important topic of ‘Family Wellbeing’.

Further details on all talks and bookings can be made via Eventbrite.