What the Amber Flag is and why your child’s school should be taking part

Mental health education is extremely important for our children.

With the stress of exams, peer pressures and bullying, school can be a difficult time that can take its toll on our children's mental well being. Building their confidence to withstand whatever life in and out of school throws at them can be a challenge but it's one where schools and clubs can help. The Amber Flag is a mental health initiative designed to help schools and clubs promote positive mental health within the educational system. The three main goals for the Amber Flag are : 1)To promote mental health and well-being for all. 2)Preventing mental health problems through increased awareness, social support, reducing risk factors such as racism, bullying and isolation. 3)Improve the quality of life for students with mental health problems by promoting recovery through awareness and education. So how can your school or club become involved? Application forms for the Amber Flag initiative can be downloaded from their website and emailed to info@amberflag.org. Last year's awards were presented at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Rochestown, Cork, with over 500 flags awarded to schools and groups across the country to celebrate their contribution to the promotion of positive mental health. If you're interested in finding out more all relevant information may be found www.amberflag.org.