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SINGAPORE – Five educational institutions here were recognized on Friday morning (December 11) for their efforts in promoting mental health awareness on campus.
They received the first Silver Ribbon Award for Mental Health for Schools in a virtual Zoom ceremony attended by Minister of State for Education and Manpower Gan Siow Huang.
Silver Ribbon (Singapore) is a mental health advocacy organization that organized and presented the award.
In her speech, Ms. Gan said that all students should have access to timely support, including obtaining referrals for mental health and social support in the community.
“However, schools cannot do this alone. Strengthening the mental health of our youth is an effort of the whole of society,” he added.
The awards are intended to recognize and applaud the efforts of schools in conducting workshops and talks for staff and students and to encourage students to embark on projects related to mental health, among others.
The beneficiaries were Nanyang Technological University, River Valley High School, PSB Academy, Singapore University of Management, and Singapore University of Social Sciences.
In her speech, Silver Ribbon (Singapore) president Ellen Lee said that one in four young people was experiencing depression, loneliness and anxiety amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
This was based on an online survey the organization conducted in April 2020 in which 577 young people participated.
He added that the Silver Ribbon team has been working closely with its stakeholders to identify and address the gaps to combat mental health stigma and encourage early help.
“We encourage more schools to join us in creating a mentally healthy and friendly learning environment for Singapore’s youth and future generations,” added Ms Lee.
At the ceremony, River Valley High School Assistant Principal Alvin Lau said the school had implemented a positive educational framework for teachers and trained peer support leaders to provide mental health support to its students.
“In fact, we teach our students about mental health problems in lessons … to help them increase their awareness – what are mental health problems, what are the symptoms – so that they can recognize the signs in themselves and their companions, “said Mr. Lau.
He added that it is important to create a supportive and supportive environment.
“In fact, they can apply what they have learned and take care of each other.
“By having a good relationship with their peers, the school will also have a conducive environment. Students will be happy to come to school and their school life will be happy … and (this) will prevent them from falling into negative thoughts and having problems. anxiety, “said Mr. Lau.
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