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:
Promote mental health and well-being for all.
Prevent mental health problems through increasing awareness, social support, reducing risk factors such as racism, bullying and isolation.
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.
Jigsaw Fundraiser-Pancakes and Pyjamas
Treasure Chests in Senior Infants
Senior Infants created treasure chests as part of the Mental health awareness week. They learned about how it is important to remember and mind precious things for them.
Pancakes and Pyjamas for Pieta House
World Mental Health Day
October 10th marked the middle of Mental Health Awareness week in Ireland. In order to celebrate this fantastic week of awareness, Scoil Teampall Toinne hosted a "Funky Shoe" Day on Wednesday to mark World Mental Health Day. All children were asked to wear "funky shoes" to school promoting the idea that stepping out of your comfort zone is okay. Throughout the day teachers will be doing activities with their classes which will remind children how to cope in challenging situations and how to use mindfulness as a technique to ease worries.
Amber Flag Committee
6th Class Joanie Corbett Sarah O' Connell
5th Class Ruairí O' Callaghan Aoibhín Roche
4rd Class Michael Quinlan Lauren O' Donoghue
Flag Raising Ceremony
On Monday June 18th, members of the community gathered to raise our Amber Flag. Children and parents celebrated the fantastic achievements and efforts of Ms Duggan, the Amber Flag committee and the school community. The Amber Flag promotes positive mental health. Our school through achieving the flag has fostered a kinder, more positive community for everyone involved in the school. We were very lucky to have the ice cream van visit that day also. Everyone had a wonderful time and we look forward to continuing our journey in the hope of maintaining our Amber flag status.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Ms Duggan and the Amber Flag Committee organised a week filled with fun activities promoting positive Mental Health. Each class will participate in Yoga, mindful walks and random acts of kindness. The week will finish with a fantastic Bake Sale, the proceed of which will be donated to a worthy charity. The children will be very lucky this week as they will get a little break from busy homework as they will be asked to complete mindful homework each night. Check out the videos and slideshow below to see some of the activities that are taking place.
3rd and 4th Class
5th and 6th class looking fierce in warrior pose 😊
Juniors enjoying a restful childspose 😊
5th and 6th really brightened up our day with a lovely random act of kindess. We got a balloon each with our name on it along with a cheerful saying. Smile. Be happy :)
Our wall of Wonder
Lara Slattery visits our school.
First to sixth class listened to Lara speak about practicing meditation, relaxing breathing and tapping techniques which can help us relax, unwind and de-stress. Children were very lucky as they got to practice those techniques in school.
David Russell-Our local Yogi Visits Our School
First and Second Class practicing Yoga in their Seats