St Dominic’s Grammar, located on the Falls Road, is taking significant steps to enhance student wellbeing through its participation in the Education Authority’s (EA) Being Well Doing Well programme. This multi-tiered program is designed to improve students’ mental health and self-care practices, providing them with the resources they need to embrace and overcome their emotional obstacles.
Erin and Caitlin, both sixth formers at St Dominic’s Grammar, are leading this very positive charge. Erin, who recently deleted TikTok from her phone, wanted to “quiet down some of that noise” whilst studying for her A-Levels, demonstrating her initiative to take control over her mental health. Caitlin works as a student mentor. She has been trained to support her peers professionally in her new role as a wellbeing prefect. As friends, allies, and advocates, they’re all focused on creating an accepting atmosphere for their peers.
Caitlin, wellbeing prefects, representing our voices and ensuring that we feel included and heard. Their advocacy will be critical as the bipartisan mental health movement among young people continues to rise. They offer empathy and anonymity, creating a safe space for students to open up about their mental health.
“We’re not asking that the pupils solve the problems or provide a solution but they can provide guidance and a listening ear,” – Teacher Conrad Thomas.
Conrad Thomas, a teacher at St Dominic’s Grammar, highlighted the important role that student mentors such as Caitlin and Erin played. They aren’t there to take away their peers’ pain, they’re there to alleviate it. He preaches the responsible use of mobile phones to his students. As someone who has struggled with both the blessings and curses of technology on mental health, Mr.
At Rathcoole Primary, Principal Emma Quinn expressed the same idea about the crucial role of early mental health education. The school is additionally enrolled in the EA’s Being Well Doing Well programme. Quinn feels strongly that educating kids about mental health early is necessary.
“I think sometimes families and adults and carers maybe find it very difficult,” – Principal Emma Quinn.
She addressed the obstacles children may run into when trying to start discussions about their emotions. She says fostering an environment where talking about feelings is the default helps to equip students with the agency they need.
“Putting people in a position to take control of their mental health,” – Principal Emma Quinn.
Quinn pondered how when children are prompted to talk about their emotions it opens the doors for more honest conversations among families. She stressed the need to prepare students to feel comfortable going up to a mentor—or teacher—when they’re struggling or need help.
Both St Dominic’s Grammar and Rathcoole Primary are paving the way for a new generation of students who are equipped to handle their mental health. These schools are instilling in their students a culture of transparency and accountability. They’re doing this by focusing the community’s efforts on initiatives like Being Well Doing Well.
