Hulme Grammar School has opened a centre dedicated to pupils' mental health and wellbeing, named in memory of a former pupil. The Mayor of Oldham attended the launch of the Victoria Channing Centre for Pastoral Care and Wellbeing to cut the ribbon.

The opening on Friday, October 9 coincided with World Mental Health Day activities, with pupils and staff taking part in the YoungMinds 'Hello Yellow' campaign to raise awareness and funds for young people's mental health.

The centre is named after Victoria Channing, who attended the school in 1966 and left a legacy gift. It aims to help pupils and staff build resilience, develop practical life skills and access support for their wellbeing. Staff at the private school on Chamber Road also hope it will benefit the wider Oldham community through partnerships and training opportunities.

Principal Kirsten Pankhurst said: "Today marks a transformative moment for Hulme Grammar School. The Victoria Channing Centre embodies our firm commitment to 'wellbeing beyond grades', ensuring that every pupil develops the self-understanding, balance, and resilience needed to navigate the modern world."

"We are profoundly grateful for Victoria Channing's lasting legacy, and we are honoured to welcome the Mayor of Oldham to cut the ribbon, alongside announcing our inspiring partnerships with Damian Hughes and Vicky Hayhurst."

Former pupil Damian Hughes has been named the centre's first Academic Fellow. Hughes is a number one Sunday Times best-selling author and co-host of the High Performance Podcast, and specialises in organisational psychology and high performance. He will work with the school to share research-backed ideas about mindset, creating supportive environments and building healthy relationships among pupils and staff.

"Joining Hulme Grammar School as the inaugural Fellow of the Victoria Channing Centre is a true privilege," said Damian.

"In organisational psychology and high performance, we know that people only thrive when they feel supported, understood, and psychologically safe. The Centre's proactive approach provides pupils with practical tools for life, and I am excited to support the school in embedding these principles at the heart of daily education."

The school has also announced a partnership with Hayhurst & Co, an education consultancy founded by former Hulme pupil Vicky Hayhurst. As the centre's first Industry Partner, the company is funding accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid training for Sixth Form Student Ambassadors and will sponsor free annual training workshops for teachers at schools across Oldham.

Vicky said: "As a former pupil, I am immensely proud to support the launch of the Victoria Channing Centre. Mental health support should never stop at the school gates. By funding Youth Mental Health First Aid training for student ambassadors and bringing free CPD workshops to teachers across Oldham, we hope to create a ripple effect of positive mental wellbeing throughout our entire local community."

The centre forms part of the school's wider approach to pastoral care, with a focus on supporting young people beyond their academic achievements. More information is available on the school's website at hulmegrammar.org.