‘Helping You Thrive in Secondary School’ digital campaign launched
Date published:
The Health and Education Ministers have launched a digital campaign promoting positive health and wellbeing resources primarily to children in the early years of secondary school.
The Helping You Thrive in Secondary School campaign, which is being launched on World Mental Health Day, involves a series of carefully selected and age-appropriate free at the point of use self-help apps on the HSC Apps Library on topics such as mental wellness, mindfulness and building self-esteem.
These digital resources are focused on prevention and are intended to provide young people with easily accessible advice that will help them build resilience to deal with changes in their circumstances or environment.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said:
“The apps are aimed primarily at children who have moved from primary to secondary education. This transition can be an exciting one, filled with new opportunities and friendships, but it can also potentially be unsettling and daunting for some. We therefore want children to have the tools to grow confidently, stay focused, and manage stress as they embark on this new chapter, with resources that support their wellbeing and build resilience every step of the way.
“It is timely that these positive health and wellbeing apps are being launched on World Mental Health Day, as this is an example of the use of digital innovation to provide positive mental health support. The apps have been independently evaluated to ensure they meet digital and clinical safety standards, and they will complement existing school nursing provision. They can be shared and promoted by the school nurse during Year 8 Health Appraisals if deemed appropriate.”
Education Minister Paul Givan said:
“Children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing is a key influence on their education; positive emotional health can help ensure meaningful engagement with learning experiences in school and improved learning outcomes.
“These digital resources will be a valuable addition to my Department’s ‘Being Well Doing Well’ whole school approach to positive emotional health & wellbeing in schools and education settings.”
The apps can be accessed here.
Notes to editors:
- Pictured from L-R are Health Minister Mike Nesbitt; Orlaith Heaney, Antrim Public Health Nursing Team; Education Minister Paul Givan.
- The apps have been curated by Digital Health Care NI and supported by the Department of Health.
- The apps have been assessed on three criteria:Accessibility and user experience – ease of use and easy to understanding, Data privacy, Clinical Input and assurance
- It is intended that the apps will complement existing support services and can be used by school nurses, teachers and others interested in assisting children and young people as a signposting tool, directing the young people to the appropriate app to help deal with issues they may be experiencing. The Department of Education (DE) and Department of Health (DoH) fund a number of programmes in schools under the joint Emotional Health and Wellbeing in Education Framework. Further details can be found on the DE website here.
- Based on their conversations and assessments, school nurses can recommend particular apps in the campaign suitable for that child’s individual needs. Alternatively, they can recommend the app to the parent or guardian.
- It is recommended that the apps are accessed and used at home, outside of school hours
- More information on the Health and Social Care Apps Library can be found here
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