Mental health service for Mayo primary schools
Pictured at the launch of Mayo Mental Health Association's new e-resources for primary school teachers and parents at the MMHA office in Castlebar were, front row, from left: Niall Dunne (Manager, MMHA), Rosemary Duffy (Primary Schools’ Health Promotion Officer, MMHA), Leona Nestor (HSCL Scoil Íosa NS, Ballina) and Elaine Uí Ghuidhir (Leas PO, SN Cholmcille, Ceathrú Thaidhg). Middle row: Nessa Maloney (Principal, Castlebar NS), John Melvin (Chairperson, MMHA), Alma Egan (Principal, Balla NS). Back row: Lianne McManamon (MMHA Promotion Lead), Jarlath Munnelly (Mayo CYPSC, Children and Young People's Service Committee) and Peadar Gardiner (Project Manager, Mindspace Mayo). Picture: Michael McLaughlin
Mayo Mental Health Association (MMHA) has launched a new programme for primary schools.
The association has welcomed Rosemary Duffy, Primary Schools’ Health Promotion Officer, to their staff. As part of her role, she conducted interviews with local principals and teaching staff in relation to the well-being needs in primary schools.
In response to feedback from school principals highlighting the need for greater support around bullying, cyber-safety, and mental health information for parents, Rosemary conducted research into what resources were already available.
“I was delighted to discover that there are, in fact, many excellent mental health and wellbeing resources, often freely available online.
“I myself was not aware of these resources when I worked as a teacher, and I realised that many other teachers are probably not either,” said Rosemary.
The resources include mindfulness videos, printable wellness worksheets, training courses for teachers, and many more.
To make these resources more accessible, Rosemary compiled them into two user-friendly e-documents for teaching staff and one for parents. Based on feedback from local schools, the resources focused on: Mental health and well-being; anti-bullying and cyber-safety; and parental supports.
Rosemary is currently working with six pilot schools, supporting them in their school self-evaluation of wellbeing (SSE) and providing information on relevant training and resources. She is also working to develop student-friendly mental health workshops. The pilot programme is already underway, and support has been much welcomed by school staff.
Mayo Mental Health Association would like to thank the six pilot schools for their engagement in this programme.
“Come September, we hope to be in a position to open expressions of interest and work with additional schools,” Rosemary noted.
The official launch of the new e-resources for primary school teachers and parents took place last Thursday at the MMHA office in Castlebar. All documents are free to download from the association's website.
Niall Dunne, Manager of MMHA, said the organisation is aware of the workload and demands placed on primary schools and staff.
“Schools have to handle an awful lot,” said Niall. “We want to help take a bit of work from you and support you in anyway we can," he added.
MMHA welcomes feedback on the e-resources. Please send your thoughts or suggestions to: rosemary@mayomha.ie
