Launch of the Northern Area Mental Health Initiative

The programme has allowed both schools to avail of free workshops for parents, teachers and pupils to increase their knowledge and awareness of mental health and emotional well-being. 

The initiative, managed by the Executive Office, in conjunction with CWSAN, Action Mental Health and Nexus NI aims to equip children and young people with the resilience to handle periods of mental ill health. 

Principal of Carrickfergus Grammar Kieran Mulvenna said 

Carrickfergus Grammar School is very enthusiastic about supporting this important initiative.  

The current generation of young people are subject to unprecedented stresses which put their mental health, their happiness and their future life chances at greater risk than ever before. 

The most important benefit of initiatives such as this is the removal of stigma. 

Mental health problems often evolve silently and we have found that educating pupils as to their causes and symptoms has allowed them to access support for themselves sooner and, just as importantly, watch out for their friends more effectively. 

Feedback from our pupils on these matters is very encouraging and they clearly welcome the emphasis that mental health now receives in schools.

CSSC is aware that this is an area of interest to many member schools and would like to see more schools benefiting from opportunities available. 

Along with the Northern Area Mental Health Initiative, Action Mental Health are providing similar programmes for primary and post-primary schools across Northern Ireland.

For further information about the Action Mental Health initiatives in your area please contact your School Support Officer.

7 November 2017