Pupils praised for mental health boost
A school has been praised for making some noise about youngsters’ mental health.
Pupils of Marr College in Troon have made themselves heard after creating a safe space for classmates to air their concerns.
The secondary school has achieved the Say It Out LOUD charter thanks to a number of impressive projects which have helped boost mental health.
The charter was created by the South Ayrshire Youth Forum to ensure children and young people have a say on mental health.
Pupils have been praised by head teacher George Docherty for “shining a light” on wellbeing within the school.
The school set up mental health ambassadors who run in drop-ins where other pupils can access support.
A mental health hub for young people who are feeling stressed was also launched - with pupils also engaging with teachers and the head teacher to discuss issues.
And the school’s website was updated to include supportive material to improve youngster’s wellbeing.
Marr mental health ambassadors said: “Throughout the year we worked as a team towards achieving the charter. We concentrated on including the pupils of Marr College and hearing what they had to share in order to achieve a healthier school environment.”
The Say It Out LOUD Panel added: “Marr College has demonstrated and evidenced great work to support mental health and wellbeing; a big well done to the school, in particular the mental health ambassadors.”
Marr has become the fourth school in South Ayrshire to be achieve the charter with another 14 schools working towards the goal.
Councillor Stephen Ferry, Education Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire
Council, said: “I am very proud of all the young people and staff who have helped Marr College achieve this special charter.”
George Docherty, head teacher at Marr College added: “I’m delighted that the hard work of our students and staff in placing mental wellbeing at the forefront of our practice has been recognised through achieving the Say It Out LOUD Charter.”