See Me Schools Spotlight

Alford Academy, Aberdeenshire

Following participating in the See Me See Change Northern Alliance Train the Trainer sessions last year, two school staff at Alford Academy delivered SMSC training to staff and pupils last academic year and were also joined by a parent council member too.

Following the training, a core group met to action plan (with lunch provided!). The school set-up a collaborative space for pupils and staff to work together, enhancing ownership of the action planning activities. The group identified a range of goals as part of their action planning. Some of this built on existing work that the school has rolled out, whilst others were new ideas. Smaller groups of pupils and staff have led on different activities following the action planning.

“…It’s been great for them to see that actually they’ve got ownership of this. You know that it’s their ideas that we’re working on… They came into that group setting where there was staff, but there was no hierarchy, everyone just got stuck in and it’s been managed really well. So, I’m really pleased by it. Really pleased.” Jo Munro, Alford Academy Staff

Pupils were also encouraged to identify short term goals that they could lead on. Recognising the importance of awareness-raising, pupils created and shared positive messages and posters around the school. Pupils reinvigorated the school Talk to Me badges, so that pupils can easily identify staff they can speak to if they are struggling. Finally, they have provided a drop box in the library where pupils can submit a request for some support.

We would love to hear from more schools participating in See Me See Change to share their spotlight stories!  Get in touch with Claire at claire.jennings@seemescotland.org if you would like to spotlight your school.

Upcoming See Me See Change Train the Trainer Sessions

 

See Me will be hosting some free See Me See Change Train the Trainer sessions across Edinburgh and Glasgow from November that are now available to book onto. The training is delivered via a hybrid model with Part 1 taking place online and Part 2 in person in either Edinburgh and Glasgow. You need to be able to attend both part 1 and part 2 of the training to be fully trained. If you know of any colleagues who are looking to be trained in the See Me See Change approach please share the link below for signing-up.

Eventbrite Link – Part 1 – Online

Eventbrite Link – Part 2 EDINBURGH

Eventbrite Link – Part 2 GLASGOW

We are also looking to organise further free training sessions in other locations around Scotland including Highlands and Tayside. If you can recommend any venues that could host Part 2 of the training please drop Claire an email at claire.jennings@seemescotland.org

Why take part in the Train the Trainer?

By taking part in the Train the Trainer programme school staff will have the opportunity to gain a greater understanding about why and how to take a whole school approach to tackling mental health stigma and discrimination. Throughout the two train the trainer sessions, participants will learn more about the content and activities of the SMSC approach, how to plan and prepare for sessions with pupils and staff and the opportunity to share practice and learning from other participants.

Evaluation of previous train the trainer sessions found that participants gained:

• Significant increases in understanding evidence-based approaches to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination;
• Increased knowledge of what actions and resources can be used in schools to reduce stigma and discrimination;
• Increased understanding of the SMSC approach and resources
• Participants felt a lot more confident to plan and deliver the SMSC sessions after completion of the two sessions.

What’s On Your Mind Posters Available

We have recently had our popular What’s On Your Mind Card resource developed into a A2 poster for schools to add to their walls. If you would like a free copy for your school please get in touch with Claire at claire.jennings@seemescotland.org.

See Me Impact Report 2023-24

There has been lots happening at See Me over the last few months, including the launch of our Impact Report 2023-24. This report provides an overview to the many projects and activities that See Me and the See Me Volunteers have been up to over the last year. From launching campaigns, to a special section on our former Youth Consultants who have been leading the way across the See Me programme for the last couple of years.

Thank-you!

Thanks for taking the time to read the second See Me See Change Newsletter!

If you have any suggestions of further info you would like to include in in future newsletters let us know!

Email smsc@seemescotland.org with photos and information about how you’ve been tackling mental health stigma and discrimination in your school community.