How we're joining forces with local schools this Children's Mental Health Week

We're marking Children’s Mental Health Week (6^th-12^th February) by delivering 10 free anxiety and resilience workshops to 6 schools across Northern Ireland.  The workshops will benefit 14-18-year-olds who attend Lagan College, Breda Academy, Strathearn school, St. Mary's Limavady, St. Cecilia's College and Clifton School. 

The workshops are taken from MindWise’s Bloom programme. Bloom is a UK-wide programme which supports young people’s mental health resilience. Delivered through scenario-based discussion and relatable topics, such as ‘social pressures’ and ‘exam stress’, the workshops will leave young people with a better understanding of mental health in themselves and others. They will also possess a suite of tools they can deploy in ways which are right for their own mental health both now and in the future.

Amy Stothers, Children and Young People’s Coordinator at MindWise says, “We are delighted to have six schools across the province join us in promoting good mental health this Children’s Mental Health Week. Research shows that 75% of mental illnesses start before a person’s 18^th birthday.  We’re dedicated to providing good early preventative support in the right place at the right time to help avoid deterioration in young people’s mental health and to equip them for the challenges of everyday life. Our Children and Young Peoples’ programmes such as Bloom and Beyond Bricks are a great way to help schools and community groups support their young people’s mental health now and into the future”.

Ryan, a pupil from St. Mary’s who has participated in the programme, found it helpful in developing new coping strategies. He says, “I enjoyed all the learning and the practical sessions, which have been really good for me. I know I will use this in the future to help with upcoming exam stress and day-to-day life”.

Children’s Mental Health Week takes place from 6-12^th February. Now it’s in its ninth year, the week hopes to encourage more people than ever to spread the word and get involved in promoting children’s mental health and wellbeing.

The Bloom programme is a free 8-week programme open to all post-primary schools in Northern Ireland. The courses can also be accessed by teachers and educators online at https://bloom.clic-uk.org/