LANARKSHIRE SECONDARY SCHOOLS SIGN UP TO ‘SEE ME’ PLEDGE
Issued: Tuesday 31 March 2009
FORTY ONE secondary schools from Lanarkshire are joining together to sign the ‘see me’ Anti-Stigma Pledge on Thursday 2 April 2009.
It will mean there will be more Lanarkshire schools signed up to the ‘see me ‘pledge than anywhere else in Scotland. By signing the ‘see me’ Anti-Stigma Pledge the schools are demonstrating their commitment to working with ‘see me’ in tackling the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental health problems.
They follow the excellent example set by seven other Lanarkshire schools - St Andrews High, St Ambrose High, Coatbridge High, Rosehall High, Portland High, Drumpark School and Willowbank School – which became the first schools in Scotland to sign the ‘see me’ pledge’ on 6 October 2006.
The Lanarkshire ‘see me’ partnership, which works alongside the national campaign, is made up of Lanarkshire organisations who together challenge the stigma associated with mental ill-health and aim to eliminate the discrimination experienced by those with mental health problems across Lanarkshire.
One in four Scots will experience a mental health problem at some stage in their life and recent research carried out by ‘see me’ found that 81 per cent of those who do have been stigmatised as a result, with many saying that the stigma they experience is worse than the mental health problem itself1. The fear of stigma can prevent people from taking up opportunities, such as getting involved in community activities and applying for jobs for which they would be qualified.
The pledge signing will take place at Fir Park, Motherwell Football Club which will be attended by a member of the senior management team from each school and Suzie Vestri, ‘see me’ Campaign Director.
Suzie Vestri said, “It is excellent that even more schools in Lanarkshire are showing their support in tackling the stigma experienced by people with mental health problems. Pupils, parents and teachers can all play a part in helping to stamp out stigma and Lanarkshire schools are taking a lead.“
Councillor Jim Logue, Convener of North Lanarkshire Council’s Learning and Leisure Committee said, “Lanarkshire’s response to this campaign is tremendous and I’m delighted that a further 22 North Lanarkshire schools are set to sign up to support the ‘see me’ anti-stigma pledge.
“The ‘see me’ campaign is a great example of how people can come together to tackle negative attitudes to mental health issues. Not only that, but by educating our young folk on issues such as this we’re paving the way for future generations to have a greater understanding of mental health problems and to challenge stigma and discrimination. I wish the campaign every success.”
Councillor Mary Smith, Chair of Education Resources Committee, South Lanarkshire Council, said “It is very encouraging that young people are involved in the ‘see me’ campaign. I hope their involvement will educate the younger generation about the stigma faced by people with mental health problems throughout Scotland. A better understanding of the problems faced by people with mental health problems will go a long way in helping to eliminate discrimination.”
Tim Davison, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire said, “I’m delighted at the overwhelming positive response from Lanarkshire’s schools to supporting the ‘see me’ campaign. Around one in four people in Lanarkshire will experience a mental health problem at some time in their lives. Most can and do go on to recover.
“Unfortunately, negative attitudes from other people can slow recovery and make problems worse. It is essential we encourage openness and understanding around the issue and prevent discrimination of people with mental health problems. We already have a strong local partnership working to make Lanarkshire a stigma free zone and by working with local schools we can make even greater strides in achieving this.”
Following the signing of the ‘see me’ pledge, the schools will commit to working with ‘see me’ to challenge stigma and discrimination and promote mental health and well-being. For example, they will:
• Promote the use of the Positive Mental Attitudes pack, which is a mental health resource for schools.
• Set up poster displays around the school to promote the national ‘see me’ Campaign and the local Elament website (Lanarkshire’s mental health website www.lanarkshirementalhealth.org.uk
• Use the pupil and parent newsletters to promote specific campaigns and issues and encourage this information to be discussed at home.
• Highlight to staff, pupils and parents World Mental Health Day (10 October) and associated events and information.
• Invite mental health and well-being organisations to be represented on stands at the health fairs at other events
• Invite comment and feedback on mental health and well-being issues from staff and pupils.
• Offer staff development opportunities including Mental Health First Aid.
• Provide a range of leaflets and other resources and make them available in the Library and/or other general access areas.
• Build mental health and wellbeing into any Healthy Working Lives activities for staff.
• Promote and refer pupils to the school counselling service.
• Be aware of and promote the protective factors for mental health such as exercise, self-esteem, resilience and problem solving.
• Have all pupil support teachers and departmental representatives participate in suicide and / or self harm prevention training such as SafeTALK or ASIST.
• Have all pupil support teachers complete MindSET mental health awareness online training and encourage non pupil support staff to access MindSET training.
• Encourage non pupil support staff to access MindSET mental health awareness online training.
• Implement the North and South Lanarkshire Self Harm Pathway.
ENDS
For further information please contact Calvin Brown, Communications Manager, NHS Lanarkshire, on 01698 245006.