On average, three children in every classroom have a diagnosable mental health condition, which can have a negative impact on their ability to learn, creating an attainment gap. Quarriers is taking steps to reduce this gap, and our Let’s Talk Service is unique globally in its work with primary school children to improve mental health knowledge and awareness. The initiative takes a whole-school approach, with the long-term aim of removing the taboo of speaking about mental health and helping to end stigma. Support is delivered in classrooms, at drop-in sessions and through one-to-one and group support.
Our mental health services have all been developed in close collaboration with the schools and young people who use our services, ensuring that we are providing support which truly meets their needs.
The work has been funded by See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health discrimination, with the aim of improving knowledge for everyone in schools rather than focusing on those who are experiencing mental health problems.
The first part of the project focused on showing children what mental health means to them. Following initial conversations, Quarriers staff found that children are aware of mental health, but don’t really have an understanding of what that means. Children have heard teachers talk about it but don’t necessarily have an understanding of the impact on their own lives. Quarriers produced this activity resource pack for teachers who want to support children in building resilience to help tackle mental health issues if and when they arise.
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