AWARD-WINNING popular Radio and Television presenter and published author Vick Hope returned to Dame Allan’s Schools to officially open its new wellbeing centre, The Snug.
The Geordie-born BBC Radio 1 Drivetime presenter was welcomed back to the Senior School site in Fenham, where she reconnected with teachers, gave a ‘Find out Fridays’ talk to students and took a tour of its new facilities.
The Snug has been created to house specialist support services, including counselling, psychotherapy and Special Educational Needs, as well as provide a dedicated place where students feel safe, heard and understood.
As co-host of the popular ‘Life Hacks’ show and the ‘Life Hacks Wellbeing toolkit’ on BBC Radio 1, Vick regularly connects with listeners and invites experts on to help young people prioritise their mental health as they navigate life’s challenges. She recognises the importance of implementing a safe and caring support-structure within schools.
Commenting on the opening of The Snug, Vick said: “It’s been important to me in my work to raise awareness, destigmatise and signpost resources dedicated to nurturing the psychological and emotional wellbeing of our young people, and I’m so proud that Dame Allan’s is clearly doing this work so well too.
“The Snug will create a safe space for pupils at school to ensure they can find the peace and freedom they need when studies get overwhelming, to know they are not alone, that they can talk about anything they’re thinking or feeling, and as a result thrive.”
Vick, 32, whose family live outside Hexham, in Northumberland, attended Dame Allan’s Schools between 2000 and 2007. Fluent in French, Spanish and Portuguese, she went on to study modern languages at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has been making waves in the world of broadcast since she was 19 years old.
Well known for appearing on the BAFTA winning 2018 series of Strictly Come Dancing, Vick has also written two children’s books: ‘Shout Out: Use your voice, save the day’ and ‘Listen Up: Rule The Airwaves, Rule The School’ to help encourage children to read and to stand up for what they believe in.
She co-presents CITV’s award-winning television series HOW, and from February 7 will co-host a brand-new primetime show ‘Britain’s Best Young Artist’ on CBBC alongside The Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson.
Now based in London, Vick’s return to the North East allowed her to spend time with family and enjoy a nostalgic tour of Dame Allan’s. She spent time in the dance studio, where her talents were first recognised at a young age, and gave a talk to senior students about her career in broadcast media and as a published author.
Vick, a human rights activist and Amnesty International Ambassador, said she felt “honoured” to be asked to return to her school and open The Snug.
She said: “I loved my time at Dame Allan’s; we had a brilliant support network and were encouraged to explore all facets of our abilities and creativity, with strong pastoral care always at the forefront.
“I’m very thankful for this, and truly believe this is why DAS produces such well-rounded young people who go on to do amazing things in so many different disciplines.
“I really hope that other schools follow this wonderful example, as all children need to know that it’s ok not to feel ok: because when we make space to feel that, we can work through it together to make it ok.”
Dame Allan’s Principal Will Scott welcomed Vick back and said: “It is always a delight to see an Allanian return through the school gates and regale us with stories of their days here as students.
“Vick speaks so openly and positively about the importance of promoting good mental health among the younger generation, so we are very grateful to her for opening The Snug and recognising all we do throughout the Schools to support our pupils.”