SCHOOL pupils from different backgrounds are being brought together to help promote positive mental health.
Forces Children Scotland and Helensburgh and Lomond Carers teamed up for Mental Health Awareness Week for a series of activities.
Primary and secondary pupils from military and non-military families met in Helensburgh to recognise some of the unique challenges that comes from caring responsibilities or life in an armed forces family.
More than 80% of children and youngsters who have engaged with Forces Children Scotland have said they face mental health and wellbeing challenges.
And the Carers Trust similarly found more than a third of young carers experience mental health problems.
At the joint session, young people designed colourful posters showing something that makes them happy.
A button activity was used to show who they turn to when they need help. And advice and information was also on offer to find positive mental health, such as a five-finger breathing technique and journaling.
Mental Health Awareness Week started on May 13 and runs until the 19th.
Gillian Gray, Forces Children Scotland wellbeing worker, said: “We are committed to building partnerships in the local community and it’s fantastic to have received lots of positive feedback from the young carers who participated in the activities.
"These sessions have served to open up a conversation about mental health and wellbeing, it’s provided an introduction to tools and resources available as well as encouraged children and young people to seek support if needed.”
Jan Conaghan, young carer support worker at Helensburgh and Lomond Young Carers, said: “Working in partnership with other organisations expands the support available to Young Carers locally.
"Living in a community with many Forces Families, enables us to receive support from organisations such as Forces Children Scotland. "Gillian delivered wellbeing sessions to our Youth Groups as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
"These sessions highlighted the importance of speaking openly about mental health and were provided with some tools and resources to help promote positive mental health.”
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