19/7/2024

Lakeside Primary School has this week officially opened Ty Bronwen, a new wellbeing pod provided by the Bronwen'sW;shcharity.

Ty Bronwen is named in memory of Bronwen Morgan, a former pupil and teaching assistant at Lakeside Primary School. Bronwen, alongside her sisters, attended the school and her father, Haydn Morgan, served on the Board of Governors, making the Morgan family an integral part of the school community.

Following Bronwen's tragic death, her family and friends established the Bronwen'sW;shcharity dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of children and young people. The charity aims to create places of peace and nurture, providing emotional support and sanctuary for young individuals.

Through collaborative efforts, Ty Bronwen has been created to provide a serene retreat for pupils needing a break from the daily hustle of school life and its development, design, and construction have been closely followed by pupils, staff and the wider school community.

Headteacher, Rachel Mitchell said: "The need for such a sanctuary has become even more pressing in the wake of the Covid pandemic, which left many children socially isolated. Lakeside Primary School has always prioritised pupil wellbeing, addressing the needs of individual pupils. The addition of the Wellbeing pod aligns perfectly with this commitment, offering a place for quiet reflection and connection with nature.

"We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with our community and continuing Bronwen's legacy of care and compassion."

Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Ty Bronwen is a welcome addition to Lakeside Primary School and looks set to enhance the school's provision for pupil wellbeing.

"We are grateful to the Bronwen'sW;shcharity for the delivery of the new pod which underscores the importance of emotional health support for children and young people."

On behalf of the Bronwen's W;sh Charity, Haydn Morgan said: "After three years of planning, it has been a very emotional day celebrating the launch of our very first Bronwen'sW;shwellbeing pod and it has been inspiring and uplifting to see Ty Bronwen in use and hear from the children, how much they can benefit from this peaceful space.

"This has been possible through fundraising and the continued support for the charity and we thank everyone who has generously donated. We look forward to getting our second project underway."

Year 6 students from the school shared their impressions of the new facility;

"It feels like you're in the middle of a wood and you can just be calm and think about things." - Will

"If you're feeling stressed or worried you can come here - there's a fresh smell and you can hear all the birds chirping outside. It's just calm and relaxing." - Jai

"All the wood structure makes you feel as if you're in nature, and makes you feel calm." - Matty

"It's like an emotional support buddy but in the form of a building." - Gwen

"If you're angry you can just calm yourself down, and just hear the quietness." - Arham

"I can just imagine coming here when I feel stressed out and immediately feeling happier again." - Rayan