Promoting Mental Health Wellbeing in Schools and Academies
04/11/2024
In recent years, there’s been a growing recognition of the importance in mental health wellbeing in an educational setting. With rising concerns about stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health illness among young people and their teachers, it has become essential for schools and academies to prioritise mental health support and intervention.
In this article, we explore the significance of promoting mental health wellbeing in schools and academies, outlining steps for creating a supportive and nurturing environment for teachers and their pupils.
Understanding the Importance of Mental Health Wellbeing
Mental health includes a range of factors, including emotional resilience, self-esteem, coping skills, and social connections. It influences how people think, feel, and behave, ultimately affecting their overall quality of life. Research has shown that teachers and pupils who experience mental health difficulties are both at a higher risk of underachievement, unpredictable behaviour and even suicide. By proactively addressing mental health, schools and academies can create a positive and inclusive learning environment where teachers and students feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive.
Ways to promote positive Mental Health Wellbeing
1. Raise Awareness: Educate students, staff, and parents about the importance of mental health and de-stigmatise conversations surrounding mental illness. Encourage open dialogue by promoting empathy and understanding.
2. Provide Access to Support Services: Establish a comprehensive support system that includes school counsellors, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals who can provide assessment, counselling and intervention services. Ensure confidentiality, accessibility and cultural competence in mental health support.
If your school or academy is insured with Zurich we can support you in the following ways:
- Counselling Helpline for your employees and their family members (over the age of 16) with a confidential counselling service over the phone, by online webchat or via email. Six sessions are provided as standard. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Zurich Support services: we provide access to an independent and confidential health and well-being service when you come to claim, offering a wide range of support including up to 5 face to face counselling session. To find out more, download our guide.
3. Promote Peer Support Networks: Encourage support groups, mentoring programs, and initiatives focused on mental health awareness and advocacy. Empower both students and teachers to support one another, share experiences, and seek help when needed.
4. Create a Positive School Environment: Create a culture of kindness, inclusivity, and belonging where everyone feels accepted and respected. Uphold and follow through on anti-bullying policies, promote positive behaviour, and celebrate diversity.
5. Train teachers and staff in Mental Health: Provide professional development opportunities for your teachers and support staff to enhance their understanding of mental health illness and develop skills in identifying, supporting, and referring students as well as fellow teachers in need.
The future
Promoting the importance of mental health in schools and academies is essential for creating a safe learning culture where both pupils and teachers can thrive. Implementing an approach that addresses prevention, intervention, and support; Schools and academies can play a role in enhancing the mental health of their teachers and pupils, improving their overall well-being. Together, you can prioritise mental health and create a brighter future for the next generation.
