Update 1
Tell us what you have been doing this week
For the first session the Mentors presented the Leading Change Launch powerpoint, during this they both introduced themselves and their backgrounds. After which the students took part in the ice breaker exercise.
Following on from the presentation the class was divided into groups to begin brainstorming ideas that they will present/discuss next week.
Update 2
Tell us what you have been doing this week
The groups reconsidered their project ideas from the previous week. They then choose one idea and presented it to the class. The groups then voted on which idea they liked the best. The winning project was the Mental Health project.
The students were then asked to consider which roles they thought they would be best at during the development of the project. They thought about their own skills and experience and where this might best fit in the project. They then organised themselves into these groups. The Marketing Group was too big and Stakeholder Engagement group too small so some were moved, based on their confidence demonstrated during the earlier presentations.
Update 3
Tell us what you have been doing this week
During this session, the students got into their departments to discuss the research they had completed on their roles and responsibilities. Each department then presented their findings to the class, detailing what their roles would involve and how this would contribute to the project.
The class then turned their attention to researching what they could do to achieve their overarching goal, addressing mental health within their local area and the wider Cumbria community. A lot of ideas were shared, with each being recorded and assessed for viability through group discussion. Through this process, the class agreed on the concept of organising a community day, where attendees would gain a greater awareness of the mental health support available within their area.
At the end of the session, students were asked to reflect on a key question, how could this event serve as a catalyst for long-term support and meaningful change within both the local and wider community?
Update 4
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During this week's session, students continued working within their departments on assigned tasks.
Research investigated organisations in Cumbria that support students noting contact information to pass to the Engagement Team. They also looked into how similar events have been run previously to learn what works and what doesn't.
Marketing designed a logo for the event whilst exploring merchandise that could be handed out to attendees. They also began designing posters to inform their school of the upcoming event.
Finance created a spreadsheet to track the group's costs, researching supplier pricing to establish averages for items such as merchandise and marketing materials.
Engagement began planning how to connect with students to ensure they are informed about the upcoming event, whilst drafting an email template to reach out to organisations identified by Research.
Project Management spoke with each department lead to monitor progress and provided the group with an update at the end.
Update 5
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This week we were joined by Michelle from Centre for Leadership and Performance and Tim from Sellafield Ltd. who spoke to and helped the students as they created their presentation pitch ahead of next week.
During this session each dept. updated the documents they had been provided by one of the mentors, which they used to feedback to the Project Management Team who were working with the Engagement Team to finalise the PowerPoint they will use.
At the end of the session it was agreed that through out the week leading up to the pitch, the students would continue to work on the PowerPoint and practice presenting it.
Update 6
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This week the Project Management Team along with the Heads of each department presented their pitch to the Leading Change Panel.
During the pitch the students firstly introduced themselves and their Teams, followed by explaining why mental health matters to them and their school. This was followed by introducing the campaign they wish to deliver, along with how this tied into the Sustainable Development Goals. They then touched upon the financials of the what they were wishing to do along with how they will market this to their fellow students. Finally they presented the long term vision they have for the campaign and how this won't just be a one off event.
The panel were really impressed and gave some great feedback, asking thoughtful questions to make sure nothing important was missed.
Update 7
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This week the students, in their departments, got on with organising their event knowing that it would be taking place in 3 weeks time.
Marketing provided finance with a list of items they wished to order from a local supplier to be handed out to those that attended. They also finalised their posters that would be going up in classrooms to let students know about the event.
Finance worked through the items and priced them to ensure their budget would afford this. By the end of the session they had sent off an order for what they had chosen.
Research, working off the feedback provided from the panel during the pitch, started looking at ways they could gather feedback after the event. This would enable them to analyse what worked and what could be improved on.
Engagement looked at the replies they got over the half term and followed up on the groups they hadn't heard back from.
Project Management continued to work with all of the teams to ensure things stayed on track.
Update 8
Tell us what you have been doing this week
16 June 2026 - added by Libby Bateman
Students reviewed final plans for the event, including who was responsible for which part of the event and who would be setting up the equipment on the day. Students also finalised which stakeholers and stall holders will attend. Students had made a social media image and drafted a news release with quotes and drafted a timetable for the event. They also designed an additional activity to ask the even goers to participate in. Workington Town Rugby Club have said they will attend along with Every Life Matters - there will be a rugby participation session for people who wish to join in. Year 8 want to be responsible for making sure everyone has a go by encouraging those who might not normally participate.
Update 9
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Update 10
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Update 11
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Update 12
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Update 13
Tell us what you have been doing this week
For students to answer: In one sentence please tell us what Leading Change has meant to you?
For teachers to answer: Can you tell us the impact this programme has had on your school?
Thank you for taking part in Leading Change!
