Talking about mental health is vital in changing the stigma surrounding it. Here is a four-step plan to introducing mental health into the classroom.
One in ten young people will experience a mental health problem this year. This can occur irrespective of age, gender or race, so it’s important that we help young people understand that they can speak out about their mental health.
This four-step plan from Time to Change introduces the In Your Corner campaign, aimed at de-stigmatising mental health and encouraging young people to talk.
Designed over four ten minute sessions, these lesson plans can be extended for wider discussion.
Download all Time To Change mental health resources for schools
Session one: Mental health and my mates
This session will:
- Introduce young people to the In Your Corner campaign
- Look at how young people can help others dealing with mental health problems
- Think about how young people can help their friends
Session one video
Session two: Mental health and me
This session will:
- Explain that we all have mental and physical health
- Look at ways we can look after our mental wellbeing
- Tips on how to start protecting our mental health
Session three: What is mental health?
This session will:
- Dispel some of the myths around mental health
- Gain an understanding of what it might feel like to have mental ill health
- Allow students to talk about their own experiences
Session three video
Session four: In everyone’s corner
This session will:
- Look at the stigma people with mental ill health face
- Examine how young people can make a difference
- Give young people the chance to talk to their friends about mental health