Year 8 pupils at Down High School this week took part in a specialist mental health and well-being programme delivered by Action Mental Health, in association with Phoenix Energy.
‘Provoking Thought’ is a bespoke programme, designed to support young people in the areas of mental and emotional wellbeing through a range of activities. The programme can be tailored to meet the needs of various groups, including by age to help with the specific challenges faced by different year groups.
Karen Hillis, Service Manager for Action Mental Health Menssana who is responsible for delivering the programme said; “The interactive workshops are designed to explore issues and facilitate discussion about mental and emotional wellbeing. They include information on a wide range of topics, from challenging stigma around mental health to raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of mental distress. The sessions also equip young people with skills on how to cope positively with stress, and provide a tangible source of support with the materials we leave with them.”
Gillian Orr, Communications Manager at Phoenix Energy said, “Phoenix Energy has a strong corporate social responsibility programme and is actively dedicated to supporting the community which it serves. As we continue to extend our network across East Down, we are delighted to partner with Action Mental Health on such an important initiative and to provide additional mental health and wellbeing support to pupils to schools right across the area.”
Speaking after the session, Down High School Principal, Mrs Perry said, “Mental health and emotional wellbeing is an area of increasing importance not only to our school, but to the wider community. We were delighted to welcome Action Mental Health to our school this week to deliver this very important session and want to thank Phoenix Energy for bringing it to us.
“Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the session and took away a great deal, which will to be of benefit to them throughout their school years.”