Abbey Vocational School Recognised for Mental Health Promotion

Our school, the Abbey Vocational School, has been awarded the Amber Flag in recognition of the effort and commitment they have put into generating greater understanding and awareness of mental health issues. The school has introduced many programmes and incentives such as Mental Health Week and health promoting school, Senior Prefects and TY mentoring, Tree of Hope and Amber flag notice board and a positive mental health video. The school is also a Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador School Programme which aims to encourage schools to become actively involved in mental health promotion. The programme provides a framework, structure and incentive for schools to integrate mental health activities into their school planning and rewards schools that go the extra mile. The 5 gears achieved by the school last year were:

1. Mental Health Education – SPHE and guidance classes
2.  Project Work – mental health week and mental health video
3.  Community Engagement – Jigsaw Donegal and Connect Mental Health open invite talks
4.  #SchoolsGo Orange
5.  Get Active – mile challenge