'Happy Hut' Supporting Student Wellbeing

St Sampson’s High has a new facility to provide students with 'everyday essentials' without question.

Head of Geography Emma Chesters established the secondary school's 'Happy Hut' in September this year.

She says with funding from the PTA she was able to fill the cupboard with hygiene products and revision materials for the children to take for free.

Since then staff and parents donated goods via an Amazon wish list.

Ms Chester says while lessons fulfill the children's academic needs, it's important the school nurtures the 'whole child':

"Attendance at school has really struggled since the pandemic and I think if we can let the students know that there is support for them at the school then ultimately their attendance will improve, and hopefully how they feel about coming to school generally."

I think it's important to look after their social and emotional well-being."

She says period products were highly requested when the students were surveyed on what they would like to have available to them:

"Period poverty is something that’s really underrated globally, and I think these products are one of the first things that would come off of the shopping list if people were really struggling because of the cost of living.

But I think it’s really important to highlight to both the girls and the boys that it’s nothing that we should be compromising on."

She says she was inspired by Debbie Baker who set up a similar facility at Les Varandes.

Ms Chester hopes more schools will get on board:

"The students' response has been overwhelmingly positive, so many of them have been amazed at the range of products that they can take and that they’re trusted to help themselves.

I would encourage every school to set up a Happy Hut - because it really has put smiles on faces."

She hopes local businesses will support the initiative. She can be contacted through [email protected]