AN OLDHAM school has opened a new centre focused on pupils’ mental health and wellbeing, with support from a best-selling author and a local education consultancy.
Hulme Grammar School has officially launched the Victoria Channing Centre for Pastoral Care and Wellbeing, with the Mayor of Oldham attending to cut the ribbon.
The opening on Friday, October 9, coincided with World Mental Health Day activities, with pupils and staff taking part in the YoungMinds ‘Hello Yellow’ campaign to raise awareness and funds for young people’s mental health.
Named in memory of former pupil Victoria Channing, who attended the school in 1966 and left a generous legacy gift, the centre aims to help pupils and staff build resilience, develop practical life skills and access support for their wellbeing.
Staff at the private school on Chamber Road also hope the centre will benefit the wider Oldham community through partnerships and training opportunities.
Principal Kirsten Pankhurst said: “Today marks a transformative moment for Hulme Grammar School. The Victoria Channing Centre embodies our firm commitment to ‘wellbeing beyond grades’, ensuring that every pupil develops the self-understanding, balance, and resilience needed to navigate the modern world.
“We are profoundly grateful for Victoria Channing’s lasting legacy, and we are honoured to welcome the Mayor of Oldham to cut the ribbon, alongside announcing our inspiring partnerships with Damian Hughes and Vicky Hayhurst.”
Best-selling author joins school initiative
Former pupil Damian Hughes, a number one Sunday Times best-selling author and co-host of the High Performance Podcast, has been named the centre’s first Academic Fellow.
Hughes specialises in organisational psychology and high performance. He will work with the school to share research-backed ideas about mindset, creating supportive environments and building healthy relationships among pupils and staff.
“Joining Hulme Grammar School as the inaugural Fellow of the Victoria Channing Centre is a true privilege,” said Damian.
“In organisational psychology and high performance, we know that people only thrive when they feel supported, understood, and psychologically safe. The Centre’s proactive approach provides pupils with practical tools for life, and I am excited to support the school in embedding these principles at the heart of daily education.”
Mental health training for pupils and teachers
The school has also announced a partnership with Hayhurst & Co, an education consultancy founded by former Hulme pupil Vicky Hayhurst.
As the centre’s first Industry Partner, the company is funding accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid training for Sixth Form Student Ambassadors. It will also sponsor free annual training workshops for teachers at schools across Oldham.
The aim is to give young people the skills to support their peers and help teachers develop their knowledge of mental health and wellbeing.
Vicky said: “As a former pupil, I am immensely proud to support the launch of the Victoria Channing Centre. Mental health support should never stop at the school gates. By funding Youth Mental Health First Aid training for student ambassadors and bringing free CPD workshops to teachers across Oldham, we hope to create a ripple effect of positive mental wellbeing throughout our entire local community.”
The new centre forms part of Hulme Grammar School’s wider approach to pastoral care, with a focus on supporting young people beyond their academic achievements.
More information about the Victoria Channing Centre is available on the school’s website at hulmegrammar.org.