Helensburgh, UK – Hermitage Primary School has proudly unveiled its newly refurbished Head to Heart Hub, a project made possible through joint funding by The Submarine Family and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity. The Hub provides a safe, calming environment designed to support children from armed forces families, offering them emotional guidance and mindfulness practices during their time at school.

The Head to Heart Hub is filled with specially selected resources, including emotion toys, books to help children understand and navigate separations, and games designed to encourage discussions around feelings. These activities help children process both positive and negative emotions in a comfortable, supportive setting. Starting from Primary 1, pupils also engage in light meditation and mindfulness lessons that continue throughout their time at Hermitage Primary.

John Lewis from The Submarine Family, who recently visited the Hub, was moved by the children’s positive reactions. Eleanor, a pupil whose father is currently serving in the Royal Navy, shared her feelings: “It’s my favourite place in the school.”

The Hub’s refurbishment was not only inspired by the children’s needs but also by their participation. The students took an active role in choosing colours, flooring, and equipment, fostering a sense of ownership and excitement about the space they helped to create.

Hermitage Primary also runs a highly successful “Forces and Me” lunchtime club, led by support teacher Madeline Paton. The club provides further emotional and social support for children from military families, offering activities such as book clubs and group discussions to help them connect and feel understood.

Both the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and The Submarine Family are delighted to have collaborated on this vital project, which is already making a difference to the lives of children in the Helensburgh community.