Ramsey Grammar School turned yellow to mark World Mental Health Day.

To raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing students wore yellow for the day and took part in fundraising activities including a Wii game tournament, glitter tattoos and a cake sale.

This day also marked the launch of an innovative mentoring scheme which will see volunteers from the sixth form giving advice, support and counselling to younger pupils.

The scheme was set up by head boy Oliver Cowan and head girl Caitlin Allinson with deputy head students Jack Smith, George Melvin, Anna Grant and Zosia Anscombe.

Caitlin explained: ’The scheme is split into two sections: sixth formers can volunteer to be tutors, specialising in a certain subject, or wellbeing mentors, giving advice and guidance on mental health, school life with friends and general wellbeing.

’We currently have 40 sixth formers signed up, from both years and roughly evenly split between the two sections.’

The school’s Student Support Services is involved in the scheme with their ’quiet rooms’ being the locations for the services.

’Mrs Corrin, who is involved in wellbeing in school, and Janice Watson and Cathy Tsitos have been involved with training the mentors on phrasing of advice, confidentiality and other aspects of the role,’ Caitlin explained.

’The scheme is only just beginning so Wednesday was a great way to promote it to the younger students to allow them to ask for help in wellbeing or subjects they struggle with.

Transition

’In the first few weeks we hope to focus mainly on the year 7 students [ages 11 and 12] in their transition from junior to senior school as we are aware the transition is difficult.

’Then we also will expand the scheme throughout the whole school, especially GCSE students who are perhaps on the pass borderline.’

She said there had been a huge amount of interest in mentoring from the younger pupils.

’The different slots available are nearly full with students asking to be mentored by various six formers,’ Caitlin said.

’We’re really pleased with how it’s going and how the day went overall:’

The initiative waas also supported by mental health practitioners Paula Dunlop and Mark Butler who offered advice on the Anti Stigma mental health campaign.

The World Health Organisations recognises World Mental Health Day on October 10 every year.