Pupils at two Lanarkshire schools are among those piloting a new mental health initiative for secondary pupils.
Students at Cardinal Newman High in Bellshill are the first in Scotland to use the new Ready for Life materials and will complete the course this term; while pupils at Uddingston Grammar will begin the course at the start of the new school year in August.
The 12-hour programme has been launched by St Andrew’s First Aid, aiming to help young people aged 14 and up to spot signs of mental health issues in family and friends and provide support; and the charity hopes it will later be rolled out nationally “to create a new generation of mental health first aiders”.
Participants will two recognised St Andrew’s qualifications, in emergency first aid at work and in first aid for mental health awareness, and will receive materials including first aid and mental health manuals.
Cardinal Newman depute head Helen McGhee said: “Promoting good mental health in all of our young people is a key aspect of what we do as a school, and we work closely with young people, their parents and our partners to identify and address any areas of concern.
“We’re delighted that we will be working with St Andrew’s First Aid, who will bring their expertise and experience to our health and wellbeing programme.”
St Andrew’s First Aid managing director Gayle Adnyana said: “This qualification will give each pupil a valuable understanding of mental health, how to identify potential problems and most importantly signpost how best to help themselves and others.”
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