Menu
18/11/2021
£5m Allocated To Support Emotional Wellbeing Of School Children
A further £5 million has been announced for the Education Wellbeing fund, which aims to support the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people and the staff working with them.
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen set out details of the funding during a visit to Belfast Boys' Model School.
The Minister said: "There is a growing body of evidence, which highlights that the adolescence and young adult years are peak periods for the first onset of mental illness. And the experience of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this situation.
"That is why I'm providing further funding in response to the additional mental health and wellbeing needs of children and young people and education staff. It will give them the flexibility to provide additional support that will best meet their needs.
"This assistance will be provided to all schools, EOTAS and youth settings and they will be provided with guidance on how the funding can be used. This will enable education settings to enhance existing wellbeing programmes and/or implement new and innovative wellbeing initiatives that support pupils and/or staff and have a focus on adjusting to the world as impacted upon by COVID 19."
The Department stepped in last year to provide a Wellbeing Fund and given the ongoing nature of the impact of COVID-19, the fund is being extended to 2021/22.
The Minister continued: "This is a significant investment which I know will be of benefit to pupils and staff alike. The funding can be used to provide various types of interventions including stress busting activities, emotional support, sports activities & equipment, wellbeing games and books & materials.
"The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people, and many school staff and their pupils are facing higher levels of anxiety and distress. Championing Emotional Health and Well-being was also raised as an ongoing priority within the Fair Start report. That is why I am providing as much support as possible, in the challenging months ahead."
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen set out details of the funding during a visit to Belfast Boys' Model School.
The Minister said: "There is a growing body of evidence, which highlights that the adolescence and young adult years are peak periods for the first onset of mental illness. And the experience of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this situation.
"That is why I'm providing further funding in response to the additional mental health and wellbeing needs of children and young people and education staff. It will give them the flexibility to provide additional support that will best meet their needs.
"This assistance will be provided to all schools, EOTAS and youth settings and they will be provided with guidance on how the funding can be used. This will enable education settings to enhance existing wellbeing programmes and/or implement new and innovative wellbeing initiatives that support pupils and/or staff and have a focus on adjusting to the world as impacted upon by COVID 19."
The Department stepped in last year to provide a Wellbeing Fund and given the ongoing nature of the impact of COVID-19, the fund is being extended to 2021/22.
The Minister continued: "This is a significant investment which I know will be of benefit to pupils and staff alike. The funding can be used to provide various types of interventions including stress busting activities, emotional support, sports activities & equipment, wellbeing games and books & materials.
"The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people, and many school staff and their pupils are facing higher levels of anxiety and distress. Championing Emotional Health and Well-being was also raised as an ongoing priority within the Fair Start report. That is why I am providing as much support as possible, in the challenging months ahead."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 November 2020
New Report Published On Young People's Mental Health
A new mental health survey has revealed a 'slight' increase in the number of young people with "concerns or worries about their mental health".
New Report Published On Young People's Mental Health
A new mental health survey has revealed a 'slight' increase in the number of young people with "concerns or worries about their mental health".
13 October 2022
New Staff Wellbeing Hub Opens At Maghaberry Prison
Justice Minister Naomi Long has officially opened a new Staff Wellbeing Hub at Maghaberry Prison, highlighting how 'prison officers carry out a challenging and unique role and it is important that we ensure they receive the wellbeing support, recognition and development opportunities deserving of the role'.
New Staff Wellbeing Hub Opens At Maghaberry Prison
Justice Minister Naomi Long has officially opened a new Staff Wellbeing Hub at Maghaberry Prison, highlighting how 'prison officers carry out a challenging and unique role and it is important that we ensure they receive the wellbeing support, recognition and development opportunities deserving of the role'.
03 June 2024
PHA Launches New Fund To Support Mental Health Groups
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new fund to support community and voluntary groups that focus on improving mental health and emotional wellbeing. The PHA initiative which aims to address health and wellbeing needs in local communities, is now open, with groups having until 3pm on Friday 21 June to submit applications.
PHA Launches New Fund To Support Mental Health Groups
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new fund to support community and voluntary groups that focus on improving mental health and emotional wellbeing. The PHA initiative which aims to address health and wellbeing needs in local communities, is now open, with groups having until 3pm on Friday 21 June to submit applications.
12 August 2011
Stabbed Belfast Health Centre Worker 'Stable'
A 40-year-old woman who was stabbed more than 20 times in the Grove Wellbeing Centre on the York Road remains in a stable condition in hospital today. Staff and members of the public who were in the reception area of the north Belfast centre where the attack took place were left shocked and horrified after witnessing the stabbing.
Stabbed Belfast Health Centre Worker 'Stable'
A 40-year-old woman who was stabbed more than 20 times in the Grove Wellbeing Centre on the York Road remains in a stable condition in hospital today. Staff and members of the public who were in the reception area of the north Belfast centre where the attack took place were left shocked and horrified after witnessing the stabbing.
18 April 2002
Dodds announces extra help for “most needy" in society
The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, has announced a further £1.73 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social fund. The increase brings the Social Fund, which helps the most needy people in society up to a total to £51 million for the next year.
Dodds announces extra help for “most needy" in society
The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, has announced a further £1.73 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social fund. The increase brings the Social Fund, which helps the most needy people in society up to a total to £51 million for the next year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
