• Promotion of good mental well-being can be seen throughout school more often

• Resources on Mental Health will be available in the library 

• Resources on Mental Health is available with Mental Health First Aiders

• Resources on Mental Health can be found on the school website

• Better PSE lessons to do with Mental Health 

• Teachers and pupils are Mental Health First Aiders 

• Signposting Mental Health Support Groups/Charities

What is a Mental Health First Aider?

A mental health first aider is someone who has been trained by the NHS to be able to better understand mental illnesses (their causes and ways to help) and how to aid with poor mental well-being in others. They are someone to talk to if you are feeling down. They can get you in touch with further resources.

Why do we need them? 

There’s a stigma attached to many mental health problems. This means that people feel uncomfortable about them and don’t want to talk about them. Many people don’t feel comfortable talking about their feelings, but it’s healthy to know and talk about how you’re feeling.

If you have concerns about your mental health or well-being, or that of a close friend or relative, you should talk to a friend, family member, someone you trust or contact your doctor.

If you need someone to talk to in School then the following teachers are all Mental Health First Aiders and would be happy to talk to you about how you’re feeling and what can be done to help make you feel better.

Every year there is a Mental Health training course, run by the NHS, for schools in the Stirling area. Usually there are 3 pupils from each school who participate. We are hoping to increase this number and get more and more young people involved in the improvement of mental well-being in others. In 2019, these two pupils went on the 5 day training course and received their certificate for being a Mental Health First Aider. They are just as trained as the other mental health first aiders and are here to help!

Many mental health problems are preventable, and almost all are treatable. This meant that people can either fully recover or manage their conditions successfully, allowing them to live healthy, happy and productive lives.

By taking simple steps and introducing  some of the suggestions below into everyday life, you can improve your mental well-being.

• Connect – connect with the people around you: your family, friends, classmates and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships.

• Be active – you don’t have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or join one of the many extra-curricular clubs. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.

• Keep learning – learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for an extra-curricular club to learn a new skill e.g. learning to play a musical instrument, learn coding, learn how to play chess or play a new sport. It can be anything you enjoy…

• Give to others – even the smallest act can count, whether it’s a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre or clubs, can improve your mental well-being and help you build new friendships.

• Be mindful – be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings. Take time to stop and relax and look after yourself. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

If you would find it easier to talk to someone outside of school that does not know you; then there are a number of useful websites, people and groups listed below who are also there to help.