A lot of work has been going on in Stirling over the past year to promote mental health awareness amongst our young people.
All secondary schools recently took part in an event led by Action in Mind at McLaren High School, where young people who had experienced mental health difficulties gave presentations and pupils from across Stirling had the opportunity to ask challenging questions of the First Minister.
Health partners led a workshop on emotional health and wellbeing in Stirling High as a pilot to all first year students, and St Modan’s and Bannockburn High were the first Stirling schools to take part in an Education Scotland pilot on developing the use of nurturing principles in secondary schools.
Seasons for Growth groups are also provided when required to support children and young people who have experienced a trauma or loss. The Friends for Life programme is designed for use with classes and groups and builds positive relationships and reduces anxiety.
Mental health and well-being is a focus in both attainment challenge schools, Raploch Primary and Wallace High School. In Raploch Primary children are learning to be resilient and to understand and cope with their own emotions. Wallace High school pupils are challenging the perceived ‘taboo’ of mental health and leading a positive conversation via social media.
Mental health and wellbeing is also a priority within the Council’s new Children’s Service Plan, which is being developed with community planning partners, and a working group has been formed to plan a conference on mental health by young people, for young people in June 2017.
Stirling Council’s Health and Social Care Convenor Christine Simpson said: “I am delighted that Stirling Council is involved in this important initiative on children's mental health and that the emotional health and wellbeing of our children and young people is a high priority in our schools and our multi agency Children’s Service Plan.”