| A conference, held at Dundee’s Caird Hall, focused on ways of promoting what is known as resilience — the ability to manage problems effectively and not be overwhelmed by them.
The aim is to help children to learn how to understand their own feelings and the feelings of others, have a sense of independence and self-worth and be able to form positive relationships.
Julie Redman, from NHS Tayside, said, “Promoting a positive ethos in our schools requires conscious planning of how best to address the mental, as well as physical, health needs of staff and pupils. The conference is focusing on nurturing resilience through techniques most likely to promote positive outcomes for individuals and the school community.”
Resilience is one of the topics being addressed by the Scottish health-promoting schools unit, which funded the conference. Experts believe pupils should be offered encouragement and reassurance and helped with expressing their feelings and communicating with each other.
Creating a support network for pupils, such as befriending or buddy schemes, are high on the agenda, along with giving children a voice in deciding what goes on in school and taking personal responsibility for things such as running tuck shops or welcoming visitors. |
