As part of Mental Health Week, John Kyrle High School have been conducting lessons that focus on mental health and awareness for all of the school pupils.

On Mental Health Awareness Day, students were taught in their classes about different mental health issues, physical health, external issues that affect mental well-being, how the brain affects emotional health, and where to go for help.

Mark Croad, Assistant Headteacher at John Kyrle, told the Ross Gazette how the school wanted to teach students not just about mental illnesses, but about mental wellness and resilience.

Helen Mather, who worked on the presentation that assisted teachers as they discussed mental health, said: “We want to start talking to students about mental health early on so that we can identify any problems as soon as possible. It is important that students know about how to take care of their mental health, especially when they have the stress of things like exams.”

One student said: “It is important to learn about mental health so no-one has to feel alone.”

To consolidate, students designed a poster to display in school about how to maintain a good mental health, which included information like advice and where to go.

Another student said: “I have learned that mental health is nothing to be scared or worry about.”

Mark Croad told the Ross Gazette how John Kyrle High School are working on removing the stigma around mental illness throughout the whole school.

He said: “We are talking to students today, but as a school we want to ensure that anyone here feels like they can talk to someone. John Kyrle want to create a place where all members of the school, like the staff, also feel comfortable talking about their feelings.

“Mental illness does not discriminate, and it is important that everyone at the school feels happy to come forward about any problems they may be facing.”

The Mental Health Foundation describe themselves as the ‘UK’s charity for everyone’s mental health.’ They say: “Good mental health is fundamental to thriving in life. It is the essence of who we are and how we experience the world. Yet, compared to physical health, so little is commonly known about mental ill health and how to prevent it.” They are working to change this.

For guidance and advice for yourself or somebody you are concerned about, visit https://www.mental health.org.uk/.