Promoting wellbeing and good mental health in Downpatrick

St Patrick’s Grammar School, Downpatrick, are doing all they can as a school community to promote wellbeing and good mental health, and have decided to undertake the steps necessary to achieve the Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS).

This means that the school must demonstrate a clear strategy that promotes and protects emotional wellbeing and mental health, in both students and staff. It ensures that emotional wellbeing and mental health is regarded as the responsibility of all. It offers high-quality, ongoing professional development so staff feel confident responding to pupils’ needs and ensures systems and external partnerships are in place to support different types of emotional and mental health needs. 

The views of students, parents and staff, regarding how the school promotes and supports mental health and wellbeing, are currently being sought via questionnaire. When these close, the newly appointed ‘Change Team’ will study the results and draw up an action plan to ensure the school offers the best possible provision in this very important area.

We look forward to putting in place all the measures we possibly can to optimise wellbeing and mental health for the entire Red High Family. 

Principal Joe McCann with Eva Rowan (Head Girl), Education Minister Michelle McIlveen and Patrick Gordon (Head Boy) at the launch of the wellbeing in schools award.