Charlie Waller Trust Talk

We have been delighted with the number of Shiplake pupils, parents and teachers who have already rowed  their 250m and donated to teenage mental health charity, The Charlie Waller Trust since last week's Rowvember launch.

The Rowvember Challenge is running throughout the month of November and challenges pupils, parents and staff as well as other local schools, rowing clubs and local residents to row 250metres as quickly (or slowly) as they can and donate a suggested £2.50 (or more!) on the College’s dedicated JustGiving page. The College is hoping to raise £2,000 with this initiative.

At the College’s whole school online assembly on Monday this week, Headmaster Mr Tyrone Howe welcomed Dick Moore, an associate trainer at The Charlie Waller Trust to talk about his own personal heartache, when his son Barney tragically took his own life because of poor mental health.

For his part, Dick wanted to know what he could or should have done better, as a parent or at least what he could have done differently, to help Barney survive the emotional storm he was going through.

For the past few years he has been travelling around the country to talk to people in schools, colleges and workplaces about his passion - the mental and emotional health of children and young people.

He said: “I became an instructor for mental health first aid, and I joined up with the Charlie Waller Trust. Charlie like Barney was a privileged and successful young man, but in 1998 he too became deeply depressed, didn’t confide in anyone and also ended up taking his own life.

“I really can’t tell you how enormously grateful the trust is to Shiplake College for all the work you are doing in support of the trust, to support its work in helping young people struggling with their emotional and mental health. 

“I would like to wish each and every one of you all the very best as you hit your ergos for the Rowvember challenge.

Dick finished his talk to pupils with the following advice:“If I could ask one thing of you it would be this. When you are next feeling down or lonely or fed up or overwhelmed, talk to someone.

“We are all vulnerable, because vulnerability is part of the human condition. The only thing about being weak with being vulnerable is when we are unable or unwilling to ask for help.”

Dick then recommended the book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackey which contains wonderful illustrations and gives little ideas for life

Clare Stafford, CEO of the Charlie Waller Trust, said, “We are so grateful to the students, staff and parents of Shiplake College for undertaking this wonderful challenge. At Charlie Waller, whilst understanding the seriousness of mental health problems, we encourage young people to focus on what they can do to look after their mental health, and that includes keeping physically active and staying connected with friends and family. This activity embodies that positive spirit. We are hugely appreciative of the College’s support in helping us raise awareness of our work and funds to help us continue it at this crucial time.”

Headmaster, Mr Tyrone Howe, said: ‘I have been aware of the Charlie Waller Trust for a number of years and have huge admiration for the support and education it gives to young people.

“More than ever before, our pupils are being challenged by uncertainty and insecurity, and it is vital that we maintain our positive attitude, hopes for the future, and try to turn challenge into opportunity. 

“I am a big believer that physical wellbeing has an enormous benefit for our mental state. As an elite rowing school, we want to use our particular strengths to help others and also have fun and connect as a school community. I invite everyone in schools and rowing clubs to join us in raising money for this worthy cause. It’s only 250 metres which means that anyone and everyone with access to an ergo can take part!” 

 “Our aim is for every single pupil and staff to take part and as many other people as possible including parents, Old Vikings, and local residents; so far almost half the pupils have completed their row, with the fastest time set as 39.0 seconds by the Captain of Boats Dan Hallsworth.

“All you have to do to take part in our Rowvember charity challenge is to row 250m, take a selfie showing your time and email it to [email protected], and donate at https://www.justgiving.com/shiplakerowvember

“Thank you to everyone for your support in this worthy cause.”