Teacher overwhelmed as he braves the shave for pupils mental health
Benjamin Holman, who teaches at North Worcester Primary Academy, has raised money to support pupils suffering from mental health problems like depression.
The year five teacher was cheered by pupils as he had his locks shaved off during a school assembly on Wednesday by headmaster Stuart Grimes.
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Benjamin Holman with headmaster Stuart Grimes after the shave. (Image: North Worcester Primary Academy) Mr Holman has so far raised £1,000 for Place2Be - a school-based mental health charity, providing support to children, families and school-based staff when they need it most.
He said: "I am truly overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and support – donations from friends, family, colleagues, pupils, and the wider community mean so much.
"I cannot believe we've raised over £1000!
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Mr Holman after the first part of his hair was shaved. (Image: North Worcester Primary Academy) "It is worth braving the cold head!
"The children of North Worcester Primary were fantastic in showing their support during the live shave - their cheers and applause kept me smiling throughout!
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"Children's mental health is incredibly important, and every contribution helps make a difference.
"Thank you all for your amazing support."
Mr Holman's Just Giving page can be found here.
Figures provided on Mr Holman's Just Giving page highlight how one in five children and young people now have a diagnosable mental health issue.
This equates to six children in every classroom with a condition like depression or anxiety.
The headshave was also filmed so audiences could watch Mr Holman's grimace as he gradually became bolder.
Students can be heard cheering him on and supporting him through the challenge.
The head shave was done during the school's Children's Mental Health Week.
A spokesperson for North Worcester Primary said: "Did you know that 1 in 5 children experience mental health difficulties and can wait an average of 10 years before receiving any help or support?
"This is simply not ok, and at North Worcester, we believe that children should have access to the support they need to build life-long coping skills and strategies to thrive.
Benjamin Holman covered in shaving cream. (Image: North Worcester Primary Academy) "By donating to this fantastic cause, we create a positive change together."
Place2Be is a children's mental health charity that works to improve the emotional well-being of children and young people.
It helps children cope with wide-ranging and often complex social issues, including bullying, bereavement, domestic violence, family breakdown, neglect and trauma.
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