As part of our positive mental health initiative, we are delighted to welcome trainers from the Public Initiative for Prevention of Suicide and Selfharm (PIPS) to school from 20th-29th March. They will work with pupils from years 9, 11, 13 and 14 to deliver “Healthy Minds” and “Brilliant Me” workshops.

Sufficient funding was secured to include a training session for parents, which will take place on Wednesday 29th March from 6.30-9.30pm Senior School . This suicide prevention training programme is based around the PIPSLookListenLink model and helps parents identify the signs their child may be distressed. It teaches them an effective way of communicating with a young person who is distressed and how to ensure their child gets the help and support they need. Please visit https://www.pipsprogrammes.com/school-programmes-c232yfor more information. No booking is required, we look forward to seeing you at this most worthwhile event.

To mark Self Harm Awareness Day (1 March), the Public Health Agency published information about  services available for people who self-harm, including  telephone numbers for a service called 'Self-Harm Intervention Programme' (SHIP) , and booklets for people who self-harm and their families.

This service is available for children aged 11 -18 years and their families. Children are referred to this service via their G.P., however parents/carers can contact the service directly for advice and support. The link below takes you to this information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/services-available-people-who-self-harm

Year 13 pupils who attended the Information and Interactive Event for those interested in a Career in Medicine or Dentistry  at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Thursday 9th March.

Pupils were given the opportunity to speak with medical professionals covering a wide range of areas such as ENT, Anaesthetics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Radiology, General Surgery, Suturing, Paediatrics, General Practice Cardiology and Psychiatry.