Mental health support in schools special bulletin
Hello everyone!
This month's newsletter is all about the work we've done to raise our voices about mental health, specifically in schools and colleges. We want to keep as many of you updated on what we do, so that you know of any new opportunities, services, or changes made in your local area.
As many of you may know, since our Make Your Mark vote earlier in the year, we've been working hard on researching, planning, and hosting events so we can understand what young people specifically need changing to improve the services and support available for their mental health.
A printable version of all of the information below is available to download if you would like to share this update in this way.
What we've done so far
2. Review
Members of the Youth Council reviewed the Make Your Mark results, at the same time, they were approached by NHS Devon to help review the Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) in Schools.
3. Planning
Members of the Youth Council planned peer research into the mental health support schools offer and some became trained as peer researchers
4. Research
We created and promoted an online survey and held focus groups with young people in youth centres.
If you're interested in the results from this survey, you can see our key findings near the end of this newsletter - but make sure to also keep an eye on our Instagram, because we will also post results there as soon as they are ready.
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5. Review
We reviewed the results of the survey and focus groups and created a presentation to highlight the key messages from young people. This formed the basis for our planning towards our Youth Voice Saturday event.
6. Youth Voice Saturday
Earlier this month, we hosted an event for decision makers where we shared the results of our peer research and encouraged them to reflect on the changes they could make.
Check out our Instagram post on this event here!
Key messages from our peer research
Over 1500 responses
Most of the people answering the survey were age 11-16 and in school. Some were not in school at the moment or attended alternative or special schools or post 16 colleges.
Results show...
Top three reasons for good attendance
- Good friends in school
- Kind and supportive teachers
- School close to home
These were the top three reasons young people felt helped them feel positive about going to school. Other reasons included interesting lessons, clubs and activities we enjoy and having someone to talk to.
Top three reasons for low attendance
- School was too stressful
- Anxiety too high to cope in school
- Feeling lonely and isolated in school
These were the top three reasons why young people sometimes felt unable to attend regularly. Other reasons were the school being too far away, bullying and not being heard.
Top three things young people would like to see in school
- A quiet calm space to go in school
- Therapy pets in school
- Safe and easy access to toilets
These were the top three things young people said would support their mental health while in school. Other popular suggestions also included good communication with teachers and parents and space to move around to get rid of energy when needed.
What's next?
Newsletters
We will promote the key messages from the day in key newsletters (headteacher mailout, governors mailout, and this mailout!)
Sharing with attendees
Everyone who attended the Youth Voice Saturday, and those who were invited, will be sent an updated version of the presentation shared.
Mentally Healthy Schools Conference
An edited version of our presentation, including responses from Decision Makers will be shared at the Mentally Healthy Schools Conference.
MHST review
The survey results and results of focus groups will be used to review the Mental Health Support Teams in schools so that the NHS can make sure these are working as well as possible.
Tracker
In the new year, Youth Council members will review all the action made and keep track of it on the Youth Voice Action Tracker.
Follow up links made
Members of the Participation team will follow up links made with key services and will keep youth council members notified of follow up opportunities.
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community but don't know how? Do you want to bring about a positive change surrounding a specific issue? If so, please get in touch!
We would love to hear about what you are doing! And we can also help support you and signpost you to resources that can help you bring about the change you want to see.
There's a lot more to our Youth Council Network than this newsletter too! We also run a network for workers who support young people to have a voice either within their community or within an organisation. The Participation and Voice Workers Network meet every six weeks for peer support, to share resources and to create opportunities for youth voice to be heard countywide. If you are a worker and would like to be part of this network, please get in touch!
Email participation@devon.gov.uk, or contact us via our socials (see below).
Additionally, if you've received this lovely newsletter but aren't a member of our network yet, you can sign up to the Devon Youth Council here.
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