Schools

Local Primary Schools

We have run sessions in Lochaline and Strontian Primary schools. The sessions help the children to think about their own emotions and those of their friends and classmates, and how they might affect one another. We feel it is important to start talking about our mental health and wellbeing at a young age.

High Schools

As a partner of Ardnamurchan High School, we present mental health awareness sessions, tailored to the needs of the pupils at every stage in the school. These lessons are based on the nationally recognised Positive Mental Attitudes curriculum, which gives information on the main issues surrounding mental health, while explaining how to counter stigma and discrimination. Pupils receive two lessons each year throughout the school. We think that this will equip our young people to cope with any mental health issues they may encounter – either themselves or of friends and family.

We have provided the tailored curriculum and staff training to Mallaig High School so that guidance staff are able to offer regular Mental Health sessions as part of their PSE programme. Ewen’s Room has had input at Lochaber High School – running sessions for year 5 and 6 classes to build resilience for leaving school.

Groups from Ardnamurchan, Mallaig and Lochaber High Schools have chosen to represent Ewen’s Room as part of YPI (the Youth Philanthropy Initiative).  The teams put together a presentation about their chosen charity and present it to a panel of judges. One team from Ardnamurchan High School made a brilliant short film that portrays so much of what Ewen’s Room is about – please have a look here.

More recently the Pupil Council at Ardnamurchan High School organised a fund-raising event for Mental Health Awareness day. Pupils were asked to wear something yellow and donations were sent to a mental health charity. We think this shows how aware these young people are about the importance of talking about mental health and wellbeing.

ER funds a young person’s counselor who goes into Ardnamurchan High School and Mallaig High School once a week. Young people can self refer, or be referred by staff at the school. This has been a well-used facility and has helped a number of students.