The Transition Year students from 4 Le Cheile and their teacher Ms. O’Brien recently put forward an application to be awarded the Amber Flag for Beneavin.
The Students broke into groups and each group worked on different sections. Group One compiled an audit on the school and activities that are already in place to encourage positive mental health in Beneavin. Group two put together a PowerPoint on promoting positive mental health to be shown to Tutor classes during tutor time. Group three produced a positive mental health video (which will be uploaded to the website soon!) which will be shown to all classes. Group Four wrote and edited a Positive Mental Health Newsletter to be given out to students.
With all this work taking place, the school were awarded their Amber Flag for the first time. We were presented with the flag at a ceremony in DCU by ex Ireland & Munster Rugby player Alan Quinlan. As a school we are delighted as it highlights the great work being done around the school by staff to encourage positive mental health.
The AMBER FLAG initiative aims to encourage Schools/Colleges/ Clubs/Societies/Organisations to promote and actively bring about a culture change in the promotion of positive mental health within the educational system and other organisations. It is to enhance the already good work that is going on where mental health is concerned by offering an award.
Positive Mental Health aims to:
- Promote mental health and well-being for all.
- Prevent mental health problems through increasing awareness, social support, reducing risk factors such as racism, bullying and isolation
- Improving quality of life for students/people with mental health problems by promoting recovery through awareness and education.
Well Done to all involved.