A webinar series for schools will be hosted by clinical staff from St Patrick’s Mental Health Service’s (SPMHS) Willow Grove Adolescent Unit.
Supporting school staff in recognising and responding to mental health concerns
The series is designed to support school staff in recognising signs and symptoms of mental health difficulties in students and to provide them with practical tools and advice for responding to mental health concerns within the school environment.
The launch of this new educational series comes after a WIMS survey of Irish guidance counsellors earlier this year found that 89% reported high levels of anxiety among students, with survey respondents also reporting a rise in cases of eating disorders and more complex difficulties such as trauma and psychosis.
Free educational webinars for teachers and school staff
In response to these findings, mental health professionals from the Willow Grove Adolescent Unit will deliver a series of free online educational talks, specifically tailored to teachers and school staff, focused on:
• Anxiety: Exploring the signs and symptoms that may present in a young person experiencing anxiety or anxiety disorders, and how teachers can support students
• Low mood and depression: Exploring the signs and symptoms that may present in a young person experiencing low mood and depression, and how teachers can support students
• Self-harm and suicidal ideation: Exploring how teachers can support students if approached about topics of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, as well as the key signs and symptoms to be aware of.
Survey findings highlight need for greater training and support
The survey identified a strong demand for training for all school staff, with early intervention, anxiety management, and strategies for engaging parents noted as priority areas.
Respondents also highlighted the importance of interactive workshops, consistent and visible wellbeing programmes, and personalised one-to-one check-ins as the most effective supports for promoting mental health in schools.
Expert insights from Willow Grove Adolescent Unit
Speaking about the launch, Carol McCormack, Clinical Nurse Manager 3 at Willow Grove Adolescent Unit, said:
“Research shows that 50% of mental health presentations begin by the age of 14, and with young people spending large parts of their childhoods in school, it is essential that schools are equipped with tools and resources to provide the best possible setting to protect and nurture young people’s mental health.
With findings from the WIMS survey of Irish guidance counsellors earlier this year, calling for more training on mental health presentations in young people, we are delighted to launch a new webinar series designed to support all school staff in recognising and responding to signs of mental health difficulties in young people.”
“From the survey responses, it is evident that school staff across the country are deeply committed to prioritising mental health and wellbeing among the student population, and at SPMHS, we are committed to supporting these efforts by providing practical, helpful and relevant resources and initiatives that can be used to promote positive mental health in schools.”
Webinars in the series are free to attend. Accompanying fact sheets will be made available online afterwards. All teachers and school staff joining the webinar on the day can request an attendance certificate.
Registering for the webinars
Find out more and register for the first session, Understanding anxiety for teachers, taking place on Wednesday, 19 November, here.
