DEAL: connecting with others

This focuses on developing students’ skills in being able to access and ask for help and support.

DEAL: developing listening skills

In this lesson we will learn: to improve our listening skills; to understand the elements of effective active listening; to use effective listening skills

DEAL: my support network

In this session we will learn: there are people who can help; who to talk to about different kinds of problems; no problem is too big or small to deal with; support networks change over time; support networks are different for different people

What is depression? Samaritans helping students talk about depression

DEAL: barriers to seeking help

In this session we will learn: about help that‘s available; how to access and accept help when it is offered; to think through potential outcomes from different choices; to make the right choices about seeking and accepting help; to challenge the stigma a

DEAL: supporting a friend

In this session we will learn: the importance of encouraging friends to seek support; our roles in helping our peers; when to be concerned about a friend; what you can do to help a friend

DEAL: barriers to listening

In this session we will learn: how active listening can help ourselves and others; how to recognise our own internal dialogue; to develop active listening skills

Young teacher in a classroom talking to students about mental health

DEAL: making assumptions

In this session we will learn: effective listening skills and why these are helpful; how we make assumptions about what we have heard – and how this affects our listening

DEAL: open questions

In this session we will learn: what an open questions is; to recognise barriers to listening; how an open question helps listening; to understand what rehearsing means; to ask questions relating to the information given

Woman sat on her own looking despondent - Samaritans

DEAL: talking helps: it’s hard to say

In this session we will learn: it can be difficult to tell someone your problems; who you can go to for support; how talking can help.

DEAL: who are Samaritans?

In this session we will learn: what Samaritans is; how talking helps; everyone needs support sometimes

DEAL: barriers to asking for help

In this session we will learn: to recognise there may be stigma and anxiety attached to asking for help; to make sensitive choices about seeking help

DEAL: helping my friends

In this session we will learn: to identify when friends need help; to identify the thoughts and feelings of someone who is feeling low; to identify agencies that can help

DEAL: it’s good to talk (Assessment activity)

In this session we will learn: help that’s available; how to access and accept help; think through potential outcomes of different choices; to make the right choices about seeking help; to challenge the stigma associated with asking for help

Theme outcomes

In this theme, students will: Explore the importance of asking for support. Explore ways young people can encourage their peers to access support in dealing with stress or challenging situations. Recognise that talking to someone can often help young people decide what they would like to try, to enable them to deal with their problems in a positive way. Understand their role in peer helping and the importance of encouraging others to access professional support. Have increased knowledge about the range of support options available and how to make informed choices. Recognise that it is ok and important to seek support if they are struggling to manage difficult emotions. Develop the communication skills necessary when seeking appropriate help or listening to and supporting others.

Get started