As a new school year gets underway, The High School of Glasgow Junior School is not just celebrating the start of new academic challenges. Together with Purple House Clinic (PHC) Glasgow, they’re marking three successful years of a partnership dedicated to the mental and emotional wellbeing of their pupils.
When the pandemic’s ripple effects began to manifest in every aspect of our lives, Heather Fuller, the head teacher at The High School of Glasgow Junior School, knew the school needed to step up its mental health support. Her vision brought PHC Glasgow, known for its expertise in children’s mental health, into the school’s community. This partnership not only offered pupils the professional mental health support they might need but also empowered the school staff with resources and training to be responsive in times of need.
“From the outset, there has been an overwhelming response from both teachers and parents towards the initiative,” expressed Mireille Wallace, Senior Psychologist at PHC Glasgow. “The pandemic had a huge impact on everyday life, and readjusting afterwards was a really challenging period for children. School isn’t just about learning, it’s a hub for social interactions and it can take time to redevelop those experiences. It’s really important even at a young age to have an outlet to discuss mental health. Tackling the problem early stops it developing further later in life. Our alliance ensures teachers have a trusted resource for their mental health queries.”
