Mental Health and Wellbeing

The Scottish Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2023) aims for a Scotland free from stigma and inequality. It focuses on early intervention and prevention from pre-birth to adulthood. Health and wellbeing are key parts of the Curriculum for Excellence, supported by a whole-school approach and Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC). 

Mental health spans a broad spectrum, from everyday emotional well-being to serious mental illnesses that require professional support. The World Health Organization says mental health helps people manage stress, work well, and take part in their community. 

In 2022-23, over 400,000 children were referred to mental health services, but many faced barriers to getting help. Mental health issues often start early, with half beginning by age 14. Outcomes are worse in deprived areas, where suicide rates are four times higher. Risk factors include adverse childhood experiences, minority backgrounds, domestic abuse, chronic illness, disabilities, parental mental health issues, and refugee status. 

Schools provide stability, routine, and support for mental health through GIRFEC wellbeing indicators and a whole-school approach. Issues like bullying, transitions, and exams can affect wellbeing, but schools can take positive actions to help build resilience. Teachers and staff play a key role in promoting mental health, and there are a range of resources and training opportunities available to help them. 

Health and Wellbeing Census Scotland 2021- 2022 

The data shows that positive mental health and wellbeing decreases with stage, and there are differences by sex and deprivation. For pupils up to S4 positive perceptions of life satisfaction, confidence and loneliness decrease but there are small improvements (or no further decreases) for those in S5 and S6. The percentage of pupils who say their body and the way they look affects how they feel about themselves increases as children and young people get older. The survey also asked pupils about time spent online.

• Pupils in P5 – P7 are more likely to spend three or more hours on electronic devices on weekdays and at weekends 
• Pupils in S1 – S6 are more likely to spend 6 hours or more on electronic devices on weekdays and at weekends.  
• Pupils in the most deprived areas in S2 – S6 were more likely to have problematic social media.  
• Girls were also more likely to have problematic social media use than boys.  

View the full School Health and Wellbeing Census 2021/22 here.

The Glasgow City Health Improvement Team have collated a range of mental health and wellbeing resources that will support you when working with children and young people. These include capacity building opportunities, resources to use with young people and groups, useful tips, guidance and planning tools. You can view the resources here . 

The following resources have been developed and/or quality assured by the Glasgow City HSCP Health Improvement Team:

On Edge: Self Harm Awareness Resource Pack

Stage: Upper Primary onwards

Description: The On Edge: Self Harm Awareness Resource Pack is for teachers and professionals working with young people. This has been developed in partnership with mental health and education professionals and funded by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. It includes teaching support materials and further information in the form of sign-posting to external resources and advice services, references, and linked where relevant to the Curriculum for Excellence and other national guidance.

Link to resource : On Edge: Self Harm Resource Pack

Be Screen Smart

Stage: Early Years to Secondary

Description: The Be Screen Smart resource aims to raise awareness of the benefits of reduced screen time. 

Link to resource: Be Screen Smart Resource 

The Compassionate and Connected Classroom

Stage: Mid to Upper Primary

Description: The Compassionate and Connected Classroom is a classroom resource that aims to raise awareness of the potential impact of adversity and trauma in shaping outcomes for children and young people and provide support that can help mitigate the impact of these experiences.

Link to resource: The Compassionate and Connected Classroom 

SAMH Information for Parents/ Carers 

A range of resources which are designed to help parents/ carers start a conversation around mental health and know where to turn to if help is needed. Access the resource here

Papyrus Supporting your child resource 

This guide has been created following discussions with parents who have experience of supporting a young person struggling with their mental health. The aim of this guide is to provide information and guidance and to help parents cope with a young person who is struggling with thoughts of suicide. It aims to reassure them that they are not alone. Access the resource here

Scottish Government Parent Club Wellbeing Newsletter 

Newsletter including helpful resources, links, and tips to support and help parents with their mental health and wellbeing, offering ideas on things to do at home to look after themselves, tips for keeping active and managing stress and anxiety as well as help with money worries and how to eat healthy, comforting and affordable food. Access the newsletter here

 YoungMinds: Self-Harm & Mental Health - Guide For Parents 

Guide that covers what self-harm is, what the signs of self-harm are in a young person, and where to get support. Access the resource here

Self-Harm Network Scotland (Penumbra)

Website sharing information and resources on self-harm, which can be used to support the person you’re worried about. Access the website here

Glasgow City Youth Health Service 

Support Service for young people/family health and wellbeing, including mental health support. Further information can be found here

The Glasgow City HSCP Health Improvement Team have pulled together a list of key strategy and policy links regarding children and young people. These documents should be used to inform planning and delivery within your classroom and school community.

These documents are a useful resource to build a knowledge base around current priorities and work around mental health and wellbeing in Glasgow and across Scotland. Please note that clicking on these documents will take you to external websites.

Children and Young People’s Mental Health Task Force Recommendations  

Children and Young People Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy and Legislative Map

Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Supports and Services Framework

Creating Hope Together: Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022 - 2032) 

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Mental Health Improvement Framework (2012) - Mental Health Improvement and Early Intervention for Children and Young People 

Scotland's Self Harm Strategy and Action Plan (2023 - 2027)

Scottish Government Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

The Scottish Governments Mental Health Strategy (2017-2027) - a 10 year vision