Wellbeing brand pilots mental health support sessions at leading college

THE husband-and-wife team behind a growing mental health brand piloted bespoke support sessions with the backing of college staff and students.

Ben and Natalia Taylor launched BePo (Be Positive) clothing and lifestyle brand eight years ago, after he was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), depression and anxiety at 43 years of age.

The couple produced hoodies and T-shirts and even a book sharing positive messages and have now started delivering talks and workshops at schools and colleges, including Cambria – based in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop, and Llysfasi – where they held a series of tailored sessions for lecturers, staff and learners.

They asked participants to think about mental health differently and targeted the challenges faced by many students during and as a result of the pandemic, notably exam stress, isolation and challenges due to lockdown and social distancing.

“We learnt as a family that three main things helped Ben’s mental health,” said Natalia.

“Focus, talking and helping others, so we were delighted with the enthusiasm and support we received from Coleg Cambria, who really embraced our ideas.

“They’ve been incredible from start to finish and delivering the sessions proved to us that this idea isn’t just good in theory – it made sense to the audience and the feedback they gave us was incredible.”

Ben added: ““We want to thank Cambria for their faith in us in this early stage of developing this programme. They are superstars, but this is only the beginning!”

Julie Guzzo , Curriculum Director of Care Therapies at Coleg Cambria, was pleased to be able to help BePo shape its message and sessions for the future.

“The response from the attendees in the room was so positive,” she said.

“We were delighted to be one of the first educational bodies to give BePo a platform to deliver their message, and instantly saw the potential in their passion and commitment to mental health awareness.”