Flying the flag for mental health

'MENTAL illness shouldn’t have a black cloud put over it…people who suffer from mental illness will emerge from it much stronger,' (BCS student).

 

Ballyhaunis Community School launched their Amber Flag campaign last autumn. A student committee was assembled with the help of coordinating teachers Ms. Orla Phillips and Ms. Vivian Cuddy. The committee quickly established their aims: to promote positive mental health, to deepen students’ understanding of mental health, and to create a sense of belonging for all.

The Amber Flag project was created by the charity Suicide Aware. The initiative encourages schools and all organisations working with young people to promote and actively bring about a culture of change in attitudes towards positive mental health.

Commenting on this very positive project at Ballyhaunis CS, teacher Orla Phillips, said: 'What is special about this initiative is that it is about students identifying their needs in relation to mental health and taking steps to address them. Most of our committee is comprised of students drawn from each of the different years.

'At our first meeting, the student members identified what they saw as the significant challenges to student mental health. These were: not fitting in, poor body image, exam stress, coping with rejection, anxiety, bullying, and navigating social media. Helping students work through these challenges is the goal of our project.'

Since last November, the project has gathered momentum. A committed focus group of students and teachers have worked tirelessly organising exciting and worthwhile projects.

The Amber Flag noticeboard was created and is used to educate and update the student body on the work of the committee and all upcoming events. A poster competition was organised whereby all students were invited to create a motif with an uplifting image and motto.

The winning entry was designed by fifth year student Coleen Manning and is now on display in all areas of BCS to encourage positivity among the school community.

The pinnacle of this year’s work will take place on the week beginning Monday, March 6. Wellness Week will be launched by Mayo Gaelic footballer Andy Moran.

Andy feels passionate about mental wellbeing, as he explained: 'Sport and exercise is to me the single most important aspect in modern society; it creates a platform for young people to deal with stressful situations. These experiences can be called upon when dealing with stressful situations in the real world.'

This exciting workshop-based week will give an opportunity to all students to participate and engage in all wellness activities. Dance and fitness workshops include humourfit, laughter, bodywork yoga, zumba, social dancing, hip-hop and self-defence. There will also be art and music workshops.

Additionally, there will be a variety of guest speakers. Peadar Gardiner and Niall Dunne will speak to students in relation to self-esteem and self-respect. Tom Coleman and Ann Caulfield will also present workshops in the area of body image and managing stress. Jeremy Pagden will speak to students about internet and cyber-bulling. He will also present an evening talk to parents and the wider community regarding this topic in the school on Thursday, March 9, at 7.30 p.m.

All of the aspects of the Amber Flag initiative would not be possible without funding from Catherine McCloskey from South West Mayo Development Company through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation programme.