the amber flag - careers and education · pdf filethe amber flag initiative ... whether...

The Amber Flag Initiative

Promoting Positive Mental Health

In Schools, Clubs and Society.

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The Amber Flag




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Foreword from Dr. John Hillery, FRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist

The Amber Flag Initiative is a timely and welcome project. I congratulate Suicide

Aware for developing a process that will involve people of all ages in developing and

taking part in activities that promote positive mental health. I am delighted to introduce

the Amber Flag Initiative.

Every credit to the team at Suicide Aware, for developing a tool that will encourage

people of all ages, to work on positive mental health at this critical time for our country.

In the last few decades Irish people have become increasingly aware of the need to take

care of their physical health. Unfortunately as the signs of a crisis in mental health such

as alcohol and substance abuse, self-harm and suicide seem to be frequent in our

communities, people want to do something but feel helpless. This need not be the case.

Illness is something we need help to cure but positive health starts with what we do

ourselves. Simple and easy activities can change the health of individuals and

communities in a positive way. Being healthy is about physical and mental fitness. It is

about habits and activities that become a part of our lives. Building healthy

communities is about individuals looking after their own health and working together to

encourage others to do the same. It can be as simple as remembering to breathe and take

time for ourselves to do something we enjoy and that absorbs us, or as complex as

organising a community initiative to include marginalised people in everyday

community activities. It can be as simple as inviting an acquaintance for a cup of tea or

as complex as organising a regular social gathering to promote relationships in our

community. It can be as simple as reminding people to take time to say hello or as

complex as advocating with politicians to decrease the inequality in our region, or the

country as a whole. In between all these are many activities that will improve the mental

health of those who organise them, those who engage with them and of the community

as a whole.

The Amber Flag Initiative gives us a framework to develop such ideas and idealism.

Taking part will help the health of all who take part and will have a positive effect on

individuals and communities. When people are sick they need the help of professionals

like myself. The secret is that promoting health is not about health professionals, it is

that everyone can promote mental health. Please take part in the Amber Flag

Initiative. Take control of mental health. Enjoy.

Dr. John Hillery, FRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist, Advisor to Suicide Aware




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Foreword from the President of The Institute of Guidance Counsellors

I am pleased to commend this valuable initiative from Suicide Aware in promoting

positive mental health among the community. The awarding of the AMBER FLAG to

schools, youth organisations, voluntary groups and sporting clubs who participate, is

due recognition for the effort and commitment they have put into generating greater

understanding and awareness of mental health issues.

I have no doubt that the education and awareness programme associated with the

initiative will do much to demystify issues around mental health, and encourage many

young people to be more open in both talking about their own concerns, but also in

understanding the worries and anxieties of others whom they come in contact with on a

daily basis, whether through work, school or in pursuit of sporting and leisure activities.

The guidelines drawn up by Suicide Aware are clear and easy to follow. They also

allow different groups to adapt them to meet their individual

workplace/community/social/sporting/voluntary requirements.

The Institute of Guidance Counsellors is very happy to endorse this initiative, and to

commend it as a valuable contribution in the promotion of positive mental health among

the community.

Gerry Flynn, President

Institute of Guidance Counsellors (Project Partners)




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Foreword from Dr. Ella Arensman

I welcome the development of the Amber Flag initiative by Suicide Aware for

various reasons. This positive mental health promoting initiative will stimulate young

people and the wider community to “talk, connect and share” when in a challenging

emotional state, by pro-actively putting in place collaborative initiatives in schools and

community-based settings. Vulnerable people and those at risk of suicidal behaviour

often feel less connected or even disconnected from others. The strong emphasis of the

Amber Flag approach to connect and re-connect people is therefore innovative and

encouraging in making a real effort to reduce stigma and improve support and help-

seeking behaviour among young people and adults.

The Amber Flag approach is consistent with the criteria of the newly developed

Guidelines for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Promotion by the National Office

for Suicide Prevention, Department of Education and Skills and Department of Health,

and even provides examples of innovative events in schools aimed at reducing the

stigma associated with mental health.

The youth focused Amber Flag activities are complementary to other positive

mental health promoting initiatives, such as Mind Yourself and Mind Out. I therefore,

would recommend further collaboration and integration among the stakeholders

involved.

The proposed mental health promoting activities under the Amber Flag are designed

in such a way that a wide range of key stakeholders is involved, which will contribute to

successful implementation and ensure sustainability

Dr. Ella Arensman

Director of Research, National Suicide Research Foundation,

Adjunct-Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCC




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Suicide Aware

Mission Statement

As a voluntary organisation founded in 2009 our mission in Suicide Aware is to promote Positive Mental Health to young people and the wider community. We want to provide individuals with the opportunity to Talk, Connect and Share when in a challenging emotional state. We want to reduce the Stigma associated with Mental illness through education, one-to-one support and raising awareness through events organisation and fundraising.

STIGMA AND MENTAL HEALTH

The Stigma attached to Mental Illness is the main obstacle to the provision of care for people with this disorder. Stigma does not stop at illness. It marks those who are ill, their families across generations, institutions that provide treatment and Mental Health workers. Stigma enables the community see people with a mental illness with low regard and can lead to discrimination.

Suicide Aware (Ireland) Limited

Registered Charity Number CHY18758 (Limited Company)

087 0454202

www.suicideaware.ie

[email protected]

Patron: Miriam O’Callaghan, R.T.E. Broadcaster and Presenter

Mentors: Pat Falvey, Worldwide Explorer and Adventurer

Steve Redmond, Oceans 7 Pioneer, Gillian O’Sullivan. World Championship Medal Winner

Directors : Caoimhe Galvin, Cearbhall Behan, Daithi O’Donnabhain,

Frank Mulvihill, Ian Delahunty, Mick O’Driscoll, Patricia Behan

Special Advisor: Dr. John Hillery, FRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist

http://www.suicideaware.ie/




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Contents Page

Amber Flag Philosophy 7

Amber Flag Achievement Steps For Schools 8

Amber Flag project Ideas for Schools/Colleges 9

Amber Flag Achievement Steps For Clubs 10

Amber Flag project Ideas for Associations/Societies 11

Form 1 - Amber Flag Team and Co-Ordinator’s Names 12

Form 2 - Audit of activities and services 13

Form 3 - List of 4 Goals/Tasks for Amber Flag 14

Form 4 - Application Form for Amber Flag 15




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Philosophy

The AMBER FLAG initiative aims to encourage Schools/Colleges/

Clubs/Societies/Organisations to promote and actively bring about a culture change in the promotion of positive mental health within the educational system and other organisations. It is to enhance the already good work that is going on where mental health is concerned by offering an award. There is wonderful work going on in schools and clubs etc on an individual

basis. What the Amber Flag will do is acknowledge these efforts and unite all

schools/clubs/societies/community groups in the promotion of “Positive Mental Health”. It becomes a daily topic of conversation leading to a cultural shift where mental health becomes “The Norm” leading to the breaking down of “Stigma” that is associated with mental health resulting in individuals seeking help sooner, when mental health issues arise. Positive Mental Health aims to:

A. Promote mental health and well-being for all. B. Prevent mental health problems through increasing awareness, social

support, reducing risk factors such as racism, bullying and isolation.

C. Improving quality of life for students/people with mental health problems by promoting recovery through awareness and education.

The culture shift in Mental Health can only become the norm when challenges like achieving the Amber Flag become recognised as a central programme of activity in the schools/clubs and associations.




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Amber Flag Achievement Steps For Schools/Colleges

1. The school must establish an Amber Flag Project Team. This can be done by election or volunteering. The names of the members of the team shall be recorded on Form 1 at the commencement of each school year. This team should comprise a cross-section of the school community but the majority must be students. One staff member shall be named as the Co-Ordinator of the Amber Flag initiative. The terms of reference of the team should be to promote Positive Mental Health in the school and should take cognisance of roles already in existence in the school that may have an involvement in this area. Professionals such as Guidance Counsellors and SPHE teachers have an invaluable role to play in such matters and should be consulted prior to the formation of the committee. Try to involve representatives from as many stakeholders as possible. (e.g. the HSE may be willing to have an input into the project and professionals like Mental Health nurses and other agencies may like to be involved). It is up to each school to decide how the team shall operate. Records of meetings shall be kept for evidence of the work of the team.

2. Once constituted the team shall prepare an Audit of the activities and services in the school that promote an ethos of Positive Mental Health. These are recorded on Form 2.

3. The team should then identify 3 goals/tasks to enhance the existing educational provision and support structures in the area of mental health promotion in the school. These should be achievable in the duration

of one school year. A Mental Health Awareness Day must be included as one of the 3 goals. This could be a fixed date each year and could be used to include the wider community as well as those within the school.

These should be recorded on Form 3.

4. Once the goals have been agreed an Application for the Amber Flag may be made using Form 4. The address for this application is contained in your Amber Flag Booklet. You may also apply online. The team must then carry out its 3 goals over the school year. Towards the end of the school year a presentation of the Amber Flag will take place. The Amber Flag must be flown outside the school building in a conspicuous place where it will convey the caring ethos of your school and the importance it places on Mental Health. A number of suggestions to assist teams are available in this guide but this list is not exhaustive and teams are encouraged to develop their own ideas. There may be a small charge payable towards the cost of producing the flag.

5. New members should be encouraged to join the team at the beginning of each school year and the new team shall outline its 3 goals/tasks for the next school year on a new and signed Form 3.




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Amber Flag Project Ideas for Schools/Colleges

The best ideas often emerge from the team itself but the following are some popular ideas.

1. Establish an Amber Flag notice board. This should contain the Amber Flag logo.

2. Publish newsletter or use part of an existing newsletter to promote Amber Flag activities.

3. Organise a Positive Mental Health Seminar in your school or organise for a year group to attend a seminar such as MentaliTY. (MentaliTY is a seminar organised by Suicide Aware for Transition Year groups throughout the country.

4. Organise a fundraiser/awareness day for Suicide Aware. This can be used to generate awareness of the Suicide Aware Contact details, email addresses and 24-hour helpline.

5. Establish a school Mentoring system where 5th Year students mentor 1st Year students.

6. Develop a project idea to be carried out in SPHE or Transition Year.

7. Design a Poster Competition promoting the Amber Flag ideals and the 24-hour Helpline phone number. Slogans might include A Problem

Shared is a Problem Halved, Talk is Cheap – But Priceless, Don’t Leave

Town Alone, A Healthy Body is a Healthy Mind, Sport – not just a Game,

and so on.

8. Devise a Mental Health Policy for your school.

9. Compose a Rap on Positive Mental Health. A rapping competition could be held.

10. Compose a 30 second radio advert on the theme of Mental Health. Some of these may be aired by Red FM.

11. Compose a Short video on Mental Health.

12. Put on a Play/Drama in your school/community.

13. Get some publicity in the local press. Regular articles or photos of completed projects. Representatives from Suicide Aware are always willing to attend for presentations etc.




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Amber Flag Achievement Steps For Clubs/Societies/Associations

1. The Club must establish an Amber Flag Project Team. The names of the members of the team shall be recorded on Form 1 at the commencement of each year. This project team may vary from 2 to as many members as the club wishes. One member shall be named as the Co-ordinator of the Amber Flag initiative. The terms of reference of the project team should be to promote Positive Mental Health in the Club and should take cognisance of roles already in existence in the Club that may already have an involvement in this area. Professionals such as Chairman/ Coaches/Trainers have an invaluable role to play in such matters and should be consulted prior to the formation of the committee. It is up to each Club to decide how the team shall operate. Records of meetings/activities shall be kept for evidence of the work of the team.

2. Once constituted the team shall prepare an Audit of the activities and services in the Club that promote an ethos of Positive Mental Health. These are recorded on Form 2.

3. The Club should then identify 3 goals/tasks to enhance the existing educational provision and support structures in the area of mental health promotion in the Club. These should be achievable in the duration of one

year. A Mental Health Awareness Day/Evening must be included as one of the 3 goals. This could be a fixed date each year. These should be recorded on Form 3.

4. Once the goals have been agreed an Application for the Amber Flag may be made using Form 4 or made online. The address for this application is contained in this Amber Flag booklet.

5. Once approved, the Flag will be sent to your Club and must be flown outside the Club building in a conspicuous place where it will convey the caring ethos of your Club and the importance it places on Mental Health.

6. The team must then carry out its 3 goals over the year in which the flag was presented. A number of suggestions to assist teams are available in this guide but this list is not exhaustive and teams are encouraged to develop their own ideas.

7. Clubs must elect a new team at the beginning of each year and outline its 3 goals/tasks for the next year on a new Form 3. This should be signed by the co-ordinator.




11

Amber Flag Project Ideas for Clubs/Societies/Associations

The best ideas often emerge from the team itself but the following are some popular ideas.

1. Establish an Amber Flag notice board. This should contain the Amber Flag logo.

2. Publish a newsletter or use part of an existing newsletter to promote Amber Flag activities.

3. Organise a Positive Mental Health Seminar in your Club.

4. Establish a Mentoring system where senior players mentor junior club members.

5. Junior members could design a Poster promoting the Amber Flag ideals and the Suicide Aware e-mail, helpline and phone numbers.

Slogans might include:

A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved, Talk is Cheap – But Priceless,

Don’t Leave Town Alone, Healthy Body, Healthy Mind,

Be a Team Player - Mind your Mental Health,

Sport- Not just a Game and so on.




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Form 1

Details of the Amber Flag team and Co-Ordinator’s name

College/School/Club/Society Name:

i________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

Co-Ordinator’s name: ________________________________________

Team member 1: ________________________________________

Team member 2: ________________________________________

Team member 3: ________________________________________

Team member 4: ________________________________________

Team member 5: ________________________________________

Team member 6: ________________________________________

Team member 7: ________________________________________

Team member 8: ________________________________________

Team member 9: ________________________________________

Team member 10: ________________________________________




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Form 2

Audit of the activities and services in existence in the School/Club/Society/Association that promote an ethos of Positive Mental Health.

Outline each activity/service and how it supports Positive Mental Health

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

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Form 3

List of 3 Goals/Tasks for Amber Flag

School/Club/Society/Association

Name: ___________________________________________

Year: _______________________

Goal 1: ___________________________________________________

Completion date: _______________________

Person responsible: ________________________________________

Goal 2: ___________________________________________________

Completion date: _______________________


Goal 3: ___________________________________________________

Completion date: _______________________


Goal 4: ___________________________________________________

Completion date: _______________________





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Form 4

Application Form for Amber Flag

College/School/Club/Society/Association Name:

___________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

Co-Ordinator’s name: ________________________________________

I wish to apply for membership of the Amber Flag initiative. I confirm that the School/College/Club/Society/Association named above has an Amber Flag Team and has identified 3 goals/tasks, one of which is a Mental Health Awareness day. It is our intention to fly the Amber Flag in a prominent place outside the school/club/Society/Association in order to generate Mental Health awareness.

I confirm that permission has been obtained for photos of our students to be used in conjunction with the Amber Flag initiative. This includes use on websites and printed publications.

Signed (Project Co-Ordinator):___________________________________

Position in School/College/Club/

Association/Society ___________________________________

Please complete and forward all 4 Forms with your Application to: Amber Flag,

Suicide Aware, Hillside House, Rochestown, Cork, Ireland

087-9454202

[email protected]

Registered Charity Number CHY18758 *Copyright

http://[email protected]/

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