Pupils talk about mental health - and quiz First Minister

Stirling Council is supporting Children’s Mental Health Week (February 12-16).

All secondary schools 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.

In Raploch Primary children are learning to be resilient and to understand and cope with their own emotions. Wallace High 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 and a working group has been formed to plan a conference on mental health by young people, for young people in June 2017.