Mission to end stigma on mental health at young age

A SCOTTISH charity is aiming to change the way young people think about mental health at an early age.

Quarriers is working with primary school children to improve awareness, with the long-term aims of removing the taboo about mental health and helping to end stigma.

The project funded by See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health discrimination, is focused around the north-east of Glasgow, an area where mental health issues are more prevalent than other parts of the city.

It has found children are aware of mental health, but do not have an understanding of what it means and what impact it can have on their own lives.

Quarriers chief executive Alice Harper said: “We want there to be more peer support and awareness in schools, so it is vital to get the children, teachers and parents on board.

“Hopefully, we will see the bigger impact in helping children who are maybe socially isolated and are not enjoying school as a result of this.

“Through taking part in this, their classmates will understand their behaviour and the reasons behind it and be a bit more supportive. We want to encourage children to seek support by helping them to know where to get help.”

David McNulty, head teacher at Avenue End Primary, Glasgow, said he has already seen the positive impact of the project on pupils, staff and parents.

He added: “The most important thing is to show children there are times when you can’t help how you feel.

“We need to continue breaking down the barriers with speaking about mental health. It’s all about changing the way people think and eliminating stigma.

“Children can experience difficulty in their lives but getting them talking about it at an early stage is a positive step forward.”