Children from integrated schools listen talk

Children from integrated schools listen talk

16 October 2019

A BALLYNAHINCH school played host to a conference to mark World Mental Health Day last Thursday.

Over 70 young people from 24 integrated schools across the province converged on Drumlins Integrated Primary School to take part in ‘Listening’ — an event organised by the Integrated Education Fund. 

The compere was BBC presenter Jo Scott ands guest speakers included Mr Richard Pengelly, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health, and Kate Beggs, from the Northern Ireland Director of National Lottery Community Fund.

Mr Pengelly said afterwards: “Young people are faced with a number of pressures including social media influences. Online bullying and exam pressure have all contributed to rising levels of anxiety and stress.  

“It is important we equip and educate our young people to deal with these issues and to look after their mental health.  

“There is support and help available for young people and their families and I urge them to avail of these services.” 

Following talks delivered by young key note speakers, pupils discussed their views on the stresses and anxieties faced by young people.

Participants were facilitated in small groups to share their thoughts and generated ideas to help develop support within their schools.

Among those taking part were Kori Colgan-Murphy, a GCSE student at Shimna Integrated College in Newcastle, who has been a member of the school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) group for a number of years. 

“The GSA is open to all students including LGBTQ students and their allies,” she said.  “It is a place where students can come together to socialise, discuss issues, and support one another.”

Paul Collins, campaign fundraiser with the Integrated Education Fund, said: “Schools in Northern Ireland have seen a dramatic increase in the number of young people with mental health issues.  

“These could be anxiety or panic attacks, stress and depression, eating disorders and even, as we sadly know suicidal thoughts.

“The aim of this conference is to provide an open environment to listen to children and young people.  

“Teachers and parents need to find out what mental health issues are affecting young people in order to provide them with access to the right type of support. 

“On the basis of the group discussions, we hope to develop and deliver a plan that can help to address the mental issues impacting on our young people and their wellbeing.”