As the 2023/24 academic year begins, Paul Gilligan, child psychologist and Chief Executive Officer of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS), reflects on how schools and teachers have contributed to students psychological and emotional wellbeing.
Irish schools are exemplary in how they promote young people’s psychological and emotional wellbeing. All education partners now play their part in seeking to create an emotionally enhancing experience. In particular teachers, school principals and young people themselves have led this transition to a young person-centred, wellbeing-focused education system. As a result, there is no doubt that young people are developing a healthier, more rounded view of their emotional and psychological wellbeing, and are learning about the importance of protecting and enhancing their mental health.
The SPMHS Walk in My Shoes (WIMS) initiative seeks to support these efforts by providing information and resources. It draws on the learnings of SPMHS, which is one of the largest mental health providers in the country, providing internationally acknowledged high-quality care. The WIMS’ ethos is one of empowerment through information sharing.
Since commencing its work with schools, Walk in My Shoes has seen the immense insight and knowledge young people are acquiring regarding mental health and mental health difficulties as they progress through school. This is being driven by additional teacher-led work and commitment, in an environment that is becoming increasingly challenging. Through this dedication, the education system has also become a model which promotes diversity and cultural acceptance; two key elements of creating mentally healthy environments.
There is no doubt that the tremendous work being done in schools is serving to shape society’s attitudes to mental health, and will in time encourage much needed reform of formal mental health services. It is this work that has resulted in the establishment of the recently announced new pilot wellbeing services in primary schools.
I want to wish all pupils, teachers and parents a fulfilling and happy academic year, during which your mental health and wellness will be enhanced.
