Page 14 - AMDSB DAR 2018-2019

Well-being
Well-being can be understood to be a positive sense of self, spirit and belonging that is felt when our cognitive, emotional, social and physical needs are being met.
(Ontario’s Well Being Strategy)
Increase support at Huron County secondary schools
Through the mental health worker funding provided by the Ministry of Education, AMDSB was able to hire two mental health regulated professionals, (social workers with Master of Education degrees) to support each of our counties (1.0 was funded by AMDSB and 0.5 was split with the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board). In addition, the funds supported research to evaluate and shape these new roles. Mental Health and Well-being Coach/Counsellors (MHWCC) dealt with issues of anxiety, depression, anger; grief/loss; suicidal ideation; self-injury; school-related relationships; substance use/addictions; bullying; medical; sexual orientation; body image. Everyone has mental health and this messaging, in addition to reducing the stigma of mental illness, is proactive work being done by the MHWCC. With these new positions, we were able to shift agency support and increase support available to secondary schools in Huron County. During the 2018/2019 school year, Perth County high schools continued to be served by the Perth District Health Unit Public Health Nurses.
The pilot project with Huron Perth Catholic DSB and the research study through Queens and Western on the mental health worker roles, were very effective. We learned that while the shared role worked well, we needed a full time person for Huron County, where the MHWCC could respond to crises or difficult cases on demand. The two boards decided to take the research and information learned and hire our own mental health professionals for the 2019/20 school year. Secondary schools increased available support time and an increased number of students were supported for mental health concerns.
Participate in campaigns to promote well-being
World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10)
At AMDSB, we work together and with our broader community to promote
awareness and prevent suicide. Suicide prevention is focused on positive mental
health and well-being, wellness promotion, stigma reduction, and fostering positive
inclusive environments and social supports. Cultivating hope, meaning, purpose
and belonging within schools and communities helps to ensure every individual
is valued, there is someone who takes notice and reaches out when an individual may be struggling, and there is access to help when an individual is at-risk. At AMDSB, we have Board supports within our schools, as well as school-based workers from organizations such as Choices for Change, the Huron and Perth Health Units, Huron Perth Centre, the Local Health Integration Network, School Police Constables, and more. Staff have access to our Employee Assistance Program. There are also the 24/7 Huron Perth Helpline, Crisis Response Team and Kids Help Phone.
World Mental Health Day (October 10)
At AMDSB, we use a tiered approach to mental health and wellness based on positive mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention. Building resiliency is an important component.
Well-being/positive mental health is embedded in the work we do at AMDSB. We use the School Mental Health Assist Leading Mentally Healthy Schools Reflection Tool to guide this work.
AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD | 2018-2019 Director’s Annual Report
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SOCIAL MEDIA
post reached
over 3,381
people
SOCIAL MEDIA
post reached
almost 3,000
people