Project gets children talking
Nine Glasgow primary schools will take part in an innovative mental health project after a successful pilot last year.
Children’s charity Quarriers announced more support for 2,000 children across the children as part of its Let’s Talk project.
The campaign aims to make children more comfortable about discussing their mental health.
By the end of the initial programme, 95% of children from three Glasgow schools said the project had been a success.
This month, the project will roll out to a further six primary schools; Sunnyside Primary, Cranhill Primary, Wallacewell Primary, Carntyne Primary, Royston Primary and Wellshot Primary.
David McNulty, head teacher at Avenue End Primary School, said: "It is important to create opportunities to talk about mental health issues and to remove the barriers and stigma.
"Our mental health affects everything about us and it is essential that support is available and can be accessed by everyone who needs it.
"The programme is designed to improve knowledge for everyone in schools, not just those experiencing mental health issues. Quarriers aims to equip teachers with skills so they can respond to the emotional needs of pupils, thereby improving long-term outcomes and attainment.
"The tailored programmes mean children can support their peers by identifying symptoms of mental illness, both in themselves and in those around them."
Alice Harper, Quarriers chief executive, said: "Mental health and wellbeing are on everyone's agenda at the moment and it's such a positive move to recognise the affect this has on every aspect of a child's life - especially those of primary age."
