The Benefits of Training Your Pupils as Mental Health Champions

When we think of children, we often envision their energy, creativity, and the uninhibited joy they bring to the world. 

Yet, beneath this vibrancy, they too, like adults, grapple with the complexities of emotions and mental health. 

In our rapidly evolving world, children confront unique challenges, both online and offline, that can have a substantial impact on their mental well-being. 

The key?

Empowering them early on. 

This is where training your pupils as Mental Health Champions comes into play. Here's a deeper dive into its undeniable benefits.

1. Understanding Themselves and Others

Mental health education isn't about textbooks or exams; it's about introspection and understanding.

When pupils delve into this area, they begin to discern the nuances of their emotions. 

This newfound understanding enables them to not only navigate their feelings but also to empathise with others. 

Over time, they become more attuned to the emotional cues of their peers, fostering a school environment where children feel heard and understood.

Hannah Ward, a Mental Health Lead from Trotts Hill Primary School, thinks that every school ought to integrate mental health champions training “Every school should have mental health champions training. They (the children) have gained ideas for supporting themselves and others with their mental health and learnt about the skills and qualities of a mental health champion.”

2. Equipping for the Unpredictable

Life isn’t always straightforward. Children encounter setbacks, from academic challenges to friendship hiccups.  

Introducing them to the tenets of mental health gives them tools to bounce back.

Remember, resilience isn't innate; it’s cultivated. 

By giving them strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and disappointment, we're setting them on a path of resilience that will benefit them long into adulthood.

3. Creating a Supportive Community

A single Mental Health Champion in a classroom can initiate a ripple effect.

They inadvertently create a space where well-being takes centre stage. 

This not only raises awareness but also constructs a supportive net where pupils look out for each other. 

Demelza Hammond, Inclusion Officer at the SET Beccles School believes that such training equip pupils to provide both support and guidance to their classmates “The pupils have gained the confidence to talk more openly after the workshop and they will be able to offer support and advice to their peers.”

As mental health becomes a shared dialogue, the shadows of stigma begin to recede, ensuring pupils who face challenges can seek support without fear of judgement.

4. The Power to Choose

Equipped with knowledge about mental health, pupils can make choices – ones that bolster their well-being. 

They can identify triggers, understand when to seek help, and also guide their peers in doing the same. 

This empowerment through knowledge is invaluable, allowing pupils to take charge of their mental well-being proactively.

5. Building Future Leaders

By embedding mental health into the curriculum, we're not just addressing the now; we're shaping the future. 

These pupils, as they step into the world, will carry forward a legacy of understanding and empathy. 

They'll be the advocates, leaders, and influencers, ensuring that mental health remains a priority in broader societal discussions.

Why Should Schools Take Interest in Their Pupil’s Mental Health?

It's essential to recognise the unique position schools hold in a child's life.

Schools aren’t just centres for academic learning; they’re pivotal spaces where character, values, and life skills are moulded. 

This is why initiatives like the Mental Health Champions training are paramount within the educational landscape. 

Schools have the platform to reach a vast number of children collectively, making them an ideal place to instil understanding and resilience. 

By equipping pupils at this impressionable age and in this structured environment, schools can ensure that mental well-being becomes a part of their daily lives.

This creates a foundation for a healthier, empathetic future.

Conclusion

In our quest to offer the best education, let's not forget that mental well-being is as foundational as any academic subject. 

By championing the cause of mental health, we're not just producing well-rounded pupils; we're contributing to a society where understanding, empathy, and resilience reign supreme.