At Brandon High School, students now have a place to go when they are anxious, need to decompress, or want to participate in mood-boosting activities like yoga and peer-led therapeutic conversations.
The wellness room, called the Eagle’s Nest, is a former classroom redesigned to mimic the calming and inviting space often found in trendy coffee shops. Focus groups comprised of Brandon High School students inspired the design, which is colored in muted purples, oranges, maroons, and grays and features comfortable seating arrangements, calming mood lights, and de-stressing fidget toys.
The space is part of a systems-based approach by Tampa Bay Thrives to strengthen student mental health through Wellness Rooms, which provide a supportive environment where students can receive resources and activities to help them manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges they may face. In addition to building a calm, safe environment for students, the Eagle’s Nest will feature access to mental health resources, including stress-reduction techniques and coping strategies; provide peer support opportunities through mentorship and guided discussions; and integrate with broader school wellness initiatives to promote a culture of mental well-being.
Keep scrolling to view more photos from the grand opening of the Eagle’s Nest.
Photos by Dave Decker.
