Scots College commits to youth mental health programme
This year, Scots College is further demonstrating our commitment to the wellbeing of our students by training five staff in an innovative international Mental Health First Aid programme, which focusses on supporting young people aged 11 to 18.
The five staff involved, Michelle McCorkindale, Michelle Barnes, Amanda Woodbury, David Carr, and Katherine Bertram, recently completed a five-day Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Aotearoa new instructor training programme.
As accredited Youth MHFA instructors, they are now able to train others (including teachers and parents) in the programme, creating a network of adults in the Scots College school community who can act as mental health first aid responders for youth.
“The vision at Scots College is to ensure that everyone can confidently support others experiencing wellbeing and mental health challenges. This includes equipping staff, students, and the wider community with practical strategies to assist students and connect them with appropriate support through our College Wellbeing and Health Teams or external providers,” says Amy Joe, Director of Wellbeing at Scots College.
“The MHFA course aims to improve mental health literacy and reduce the stigmatising behaviours and attitudes that often prevent teens from seeking the help and support they need.”
Sarah Christensen, Programme Manager for Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa says, “Research shows that nearly one in three young people will experience a mental health challenge in any given year. In addition, 50 per cent of mental health challenges occur before the age of 18 – so early intervention is key.”
“We know that Youth Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa makes a difference to young people and families. By giving staff this vital mental health literacy and the practical skills to support young people with their mental health, Scots College have contributed to creating a compassionate and caring school community where students can thrive now and into the future.”
Christensen says that schools and parents are seeing emerging mental health challenges at an ever-younger age, which impact learning, relationships, and can potentially lead to problematic alcohol and drug use or worsening mental health challenges
later on.
During the training, the five staff at Scots College were taught how to recognise and respond to a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. The programme covered a five-step action plan that provides “first aid” to a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis, and equipped our staff with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to have a conversation with a young person about their mental health.
"Our longer term vision is to deliver the Teen MHFA across a whole year level in the Senior School. Young people today are more aware of their own wellbeing and that of others. It is crucial that they have access to evidence-based skills and knowledge, rather than relying on information from social media platforms like TikTok. The Teen MHFA course will teach our students how to recognise changes in their own or a friend’s thinking, feelings, or behaviour that may indicate a mental health problem, how to offer initial mental first aid support, and how to connect them with a trusted adult.”
Amy Joe
Director of Wellbeing
“Like other parents and teachers, I have noticed more younger people experiencing anxiety and depression. I think it’s really important as teachers that we are really aware of this...because we are seeing these students and young people every day, so we are often able to often notice changes in their behaviours or actions and be able to intervene at an earlier stage before it becomes more of a crisis.”
— Michelle McCorkindale, Dean of Uttley House