GSA Research Fellow, Andrea Taylor, has worked with NHS Grampian and pupils from Forres Academy on a project looking at mental health issues and young people. The outcome of the project, a poster promoting good mental health, has now bee unveiled.
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| GSA Research Fellow, Andrea Taylor, with pupils of Forres Academy and the poster they produced to help prompt conversations among young people about promoting good mental health. |
34 pupils – of
all ages – participated in focus groups designed to get their views about being
involved in the design of digital tools, such as websites and apps, for
promoting good mental health among people their age. The groups also discussed
attitudes towards mental health, and who or where they would seek help and
support from if they or a friend were struggling.
all ages – participated in focus groups designed to get their views about being
involved in the design of digital tools, such as websites and apps, for
promoting good mental health among people their age. The groups also discussed
attitudes towards mental health, and who or where they would seek help and
support from if they or a friend were struggling.
Andrea Taylor,
Research Fellow from the School of Design at GSA said “The group discussions
were very mature and informative. One of the issues raised by the pupils is
that more information is needed in schools about mental health.
Research Fellow from the School of Design at GSA said “The group discussions
were very mature and informative. One of the issues raised by the pupils is
that more information is needed in schools about mental health.
For this reason,
and to ensure a legacy from the work the groups had done, we recommended
producing a poster for display in schools, libraries, community centres and so
on.”
and to ensure a legacy from the work the groups had done, we recommended
producing a poster for display in schools, libraries, community centres and so
on.”
Susan Leslie,
Area Public Health Coordinator, said “Mental health is one of the top public
health challenges in the UK. In any given year, one in ten children and young
people (aged 5-16 years) is likely to have a clinically diagnosable mental
health problem.
Area Public Health Coordinator, said “Mental health is one of the top public
health challenges in the UK. In any given year, one in ten children and young
people (aged 5-16 years) is likely to have a clinically diagnosable mental
health problem.
Children and
young people do better if they have good mental health. They are happier in
their families, are able to learn better, do better at school, have the
confidence to try things out, and enjoy friendships and new experiences. By
providing the right information, guidance and support to children and young
people, the chances of developing enduring mental health problems as an adult
are reduced.”
young people do better if they have good mental health. They are happier in
their families, are able to learn better, do better at school, have the
confidence to try things out, and enjoy friendships and new experiences. By
providing the right information, guidance and support to children and young
people, the chances of developing enduring mental health problems as an adult
are reduced.”
The project
steering group includes representation from NHS Grampian Forres Public Health
Nursing Team and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Moray
Council Engagement Team and Educational Psychology Service and Forres area
Community Trust (FACT).
steering group includes representation from NHS Grampian Forres Public Health
Nursing Team and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Moray
Council Engagement Team and Educational Psychology Service and Forres area
Community Trust (FACT).
Funding from the
Mental Health Innovation fund was used to design and print the poster. It is
now on display in Forres Academy and will be made available to other secondary
schools in Moray.
Mental Health Innovation fund was used to design and print the poster. It is
now on display in Forres Academy and will be made available to other secondary
schools in Moray.
Carol Stuart,
Head Teacher from Forres Academy said “I hope these posters will prompt conversations
among young people about promoting good mental health. I am incredibly proud of
our pupils and the mature and thoughtful way they have approached this
project.”
Head Teacher from Forres Academy said “I hope these posters will prompt conversations
among young people about promoting good mental health. I am incredibly proud of
our pupils and the mature and thoughtful way they have approached this
project.”