Health Promoting School
Mental Health Week
Sr. Consillio launches Mental Health Week in Mercy Mounthawk
(Ms. Kennelly, Mr. Coffey)
On Tuesday 7th October Sr. Consillio launched Mental Health Week in Mercy Mounthawk School. This is part of an overall health promotion strategy in the school following on from the HSE Award in March recognising Mercy Mounthawk as a health promoting school.
The theme of Mental Health was chosen in consultation with parents, staff, management and students, all of whom are represented on the Health promotion committee in Mercy Mounthawk. Mental health promotion is about increasing people’s resilience and ability to cope with life’s stresses by developing their general life skills and identifying and using positive ways of coping.
The Health Promotion Committee in the school organised a comprehensive programme for the week. As part of the launch Sr. Consillio gave a talk to fourth and fifth year students. The programme for the week also included a workshop for first years given by The Graffiti Theatre Company. Second year students took part in a Youth Forum organised and run by fourth and fifth year students. Susan Fitzgerald gave a Stress and Relaxation talk to fifth and sixth years. Erina Mac Sweeney, a Nutritional Therapist, spoke to sixth years on the importance of diet in creating optimum health. During all Health Promotion Weeks the school canteen offer special deals on healthy meals options, reducing the prices significantly which is a great support for the promotion of a balanced healthy diet.
Banner desinged by students to promote positive menatl health
Positive mental health promotion is not just confined to students. Staff were also treated to a workshop on relaxation given by Maeve Galway. Mr. Tony Bates CEO of the National Centre for Youth Mental Health will speak at the AGM of the Parents Council on Wednesday 15th October. This week has brought awareness to all partners within the Mercy Mounthawk School Community on the issues of Mental Health. The promotion of positive mental health is an ongoing process in the school and as part of this the second Health Promotion Week which will be held in March next year will focus on the ‘mind and body’ where exercise will be promoted as a part of a positive mental health regime.
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