Reflecting on a secondary school’s year-long programme of mental health awareness

Stand Up Week was celebrated when an LGTBQ+ workshop was held for senior students, as well as a coffee morning with wonderful colorful treats and a positive messages activity encouraging acceptance, differences and kindness. During this term, the team wrote and performed a play on coping with stress as an adolescent which they delivered to fifth year classes. In December, the PMA created a beautifully simplistic Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar. On Valentine’s Day, the PMA Team boys celebrated the wonderful ladies of Merlin College by going class to class and door to deliver flowers to us all.

Wellbeing Week was hugely successful. Each day commenced with a positive quote or affirmation being shared on the school’s intercom. On Monday, first year students created beautiful wellbeing bracelets and shared them with their friends and classmates. Tuesday saw staff recognised with surprise treats delivered by the PMA team. Wednesday was a fun-filled day as the team went door to door with their delicious smoothies and held a Squat for a Shot competition. Thursday saw senior students engage with team-building and fitness activities throughout the day. The week was rounded off with an internet and social media safety workshop for students, teachers and parents.

There were many more activities and events to come; however, like everyone the world over, our plans were put on hold due to COVID-19. The team adapted to our new normal and kept their initiative alive by reaching out to students with activities such as the Easter Wellbeing Challenge as well as embracing Cycle Against Suicide’s Buddy Up and Make the Call. Through engaging with such activities, the team continued to emphasise the importance of mental health awareness during a challenging and very uncertain time.