Jigsaw is an organisation that aims to improve young people's mental health and well-being. One of their programs, the One Good School Programme, is a comprehensive approach that works with schools to create a positive and supportive environment for students' mental health. The program consists of several key elements, including staff training, parent involvement, and student courses. It's a whole school approach that addresses mental health at all levels, from the individual to the school as a whole. One of the key components of the One Good School Programme is staff training. Jigsaw works with school staff to provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to support students' mental health.
This includes training courses on identifying and responding to mental health concerns, as well as how to promote positive mental health and well-being in the classroom. The program also offers online webinars for the parents of the school community. Parents would have learned about the signs of mental health problems at home and where to seek further advice upon if needs be. Having this knowledge at home is also a benefit to the rest of the family as someone who might not be in school anymore may require mental health support and having a parent who knows where to go would be a help.
Another important aspect of the program is the student courses. Jigsaw provides schools with free online courses with the aim of getting the majority of the student population to complete these courses. This helps ensure that students are learning about mental health and well-being in a way that is both relevant and useful for their experiences at school. In addition to this, students will be more aware on how to recognise mental health problems within themselves or within their peers and where to go for help if need be.
Currently our school is going for the gold award in the programme where at least 50% of all students and teachers have to complete their selected courses. The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of school staff and students who have worked to create a positive and supportive environment for mental health. The One Good School Ireland Gold award is a valuable recognition for schools that are committed to promoting positive mental health and well-being for their students. It also provides a framework for other schools to follow and can help to create a culture of support and understanding around mental health.
Overall, the One Good School Programme is an important initiative that is making a real difference in the lives of young people. By working with schools to create a positive and supportive environment for mental health, Jigsaw is helping to build a brighter future for all schools across the country.