On a day filled with reflection, open discussion, and a shared sense of purpose, Merchant Taylors’ pupils hosted a powerful Wellbeing Conference at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall centred on the theme of belonging.
writes Hari K (L6ths)
Led by a dynamic team of students (Hari K, Jai E, Amrit S, Trish S-O, Yuvraj B, Jonah G, Sam Y and Ashton B), the event brought together students and staff from across the Merchant Taylors’ Company schools, including Wolverhampton Grammar School, Aylesbury UTC, St Helen’s Northwood, St Saviour’s and St Olave’s, Wallingfod School, Merchant Taylors’ Crosby and Merchant Taylors’ Northwood.
The day began with a thought-provoking five-minute talk by Miss Younge, who shared a personal story from her time at secondary school. She recalled a moment when she turned up to school wearing shoes she loved, only to quickly realise they weren’t the “right” shoes, the ones everyone else was wearing. In that moment, her desire to belong clashed with her own individuality. Years later, she reflected on that experience and recognised that it was okay to stand out, especially if what made you different was something you valued. Her story reminded everyone in the room that belonging doesn’t have to mean blending in; sometimes, it means standing firmly in your own shoes.
Next, came our first guest speaker: Dean Atta, the celebrated author and poet, whose work gives voice to those who have long felt different. Speaking for 40 minutes, Dean shared the inspirations behind his writing; from identity to intersectionality, and how literature can serve as a bridge between isolation and understanding. He encouraged us all to write a poem, which celebrated our own complex identities, and these were shared on tables as well as performed on stage. It was a fantastic celebration of how owning difference can create an inclusive community.
Yuvraj’s closing remarks following Dean’s speech were memorable and brought humour to the day before coffee break. Following this, Jai introduced our second guest speaker, Seema Flower, with both professionalism and genuine warmth. Seema, who spoke for 40 minutes, took the audience through her journey of navigating life as an Indian heritage blind woman in the corporate world; a journey that highlighted not only the daily challenges of accessibility but the deeper, more universal need for recognition, support, and belonging. Her message was clear: it is not our differences that divide us, but the barriers we build when we fail to be inclusive.
Following the speakers, Jai and Ashton then led the panel session, where the audience posed questions to Seema and Dean, and then, after lunch, we hosted a carousel of student led presentations and workshops, adding further depth to the day. We heard about ‘TENDO’ from Merchant Taylors’ Crosby, Inclusion Champions and their impact at Wolverhampton Gramar School and explored cultural heritage in context with St Helen’s. Every talk returned to the same central truth: we thrive when we feel we belong.
One of the most exciting parts of the day for Merchant Taylors’ pupils was their workshop on the Affinity Theory, delivered by Trish S-O, Amrit S, Jonah G, and Sam Y. This session explored how we naturally gravitate toward those who look, think, or act like us, and how this instinct, while comforting, can unintentionally lead to exclusion in school and workplace environments. Attendees were challenged to consider how they could stretch their circles of connection and create spaces where difference is not just accepted but celebrated.
The event closed with thoughtful plenary conversation, where participants were asked to share what they had learned and what they would take home from the conference – and, of course, free biscuits. But more importantly, it left every attendee with a renewed commitment to make their own communities more inclusive, one meaningful connection at a time.
