The Well was renovated over the summer to include new furniture, repainted walls and updated activities to better support students’ mental health.

Funding for this project, and for similar wellness rooms at schools across Orange County, was provided in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education and Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

“CHOC wanted to make sure that this space was very functional and user friendly,” mental health specialist Gina Cross said. “That’s really what the intention is: to give you a break in the day so that you are more refreshed and energized and focused to be able to go back to rest.”

CHOC’s funding addressed several areas of improvement at The Well, according to Cross, including replacing outdated furniture and improving the poor lighting. New therapeutic activities, such as water painting, bubbles and journaling and an updated aromatherapy station now await students who visit.

“When I saw The Well, I was really surprised at how different it was,” junior Hakeem Ebrahim said. “Especially when you compare it to the rest of the school, The Well just has a really calming feel to it. From the smell to all the activities, I can see why students like to come here for a break.”

CHOC is also collaborating with the counseling department on Wellness Wednesdays, which will feature activities focused on practicing gratitude, reducing anxiety and building relationships. With these Wellness Wednesdays, Cross hopes that these events will bring more awareness to students’ mental health and to The Well.

“I hope that through the course of this school year that more and more students will actually take advantage of a space like this,” mental health specialist Steve Lo said. “Not all schools have this, so hopefully they’ll use it to really get into their own mental health and the opportunity to have a quiet space to rest, regain focus or whatever they need.“

The next Wellness Wednesday will be on Nov. 13. The Well is open during breaks, lunch and tutorials. Students need a counselor’s permission if they wish to enter The Well during class hours. For more information on Wellness Wednesdays, check out your class Canvas page and @northwoodcounseling on Instagram.