Press Releases

Get by with a little help from FRIENDS

Thursday, 15th March, 2007

Stirling Council's schools will be among the first to experience the launch of an international project to target young people's mental health before problems arise.

The project will be led by the Psychological Service and will be offered in a number of primary and secondary schools from August. It will then be rolled out across the Council area in 2008 and the Psychological Service will become the lead agency to offer training to colleagues across Scotland.   The Scottish Government has agreed to fund the venture in line with its policy of promoting health and wellbeing in all schools.

The FRIENDS programme, described as a school-based approach using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, was developed in Australia and has been in use there since 1998.  The scheme takes a preventive approach to anxiety disorders and other mental health issues by promoting self-esteem and better peer relationships, peer acceptance and pupil-teacher interactions.  The 10-session programme, aimed at 7- to 16-year-olds, can be delivered to a whole class, small groups or individuals, with additional sessions for parents. A version for younger children is also being developed.

Margaret Brisley, Stirling Depute Provost and Executive Member with responsibility for Children’s Services said: “Stirling Council is committed to promoting the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health for children and young people, through access to healthcare and support for safe and healthy lifestyle choices.  The FRIENDS programme can help us achieve this, and help young people develop their skills, confidence and self-esteem to the fullest potential.”