How can we effectively support How can we effectively support pupils mental health when affected pupils mental health when affected

by trauma and bereavement?by trauma and bereavement?

S.T.A.G.E.S.S.T.A.G.E.S.

Support: Trauma And Grief – Enabling SchoolsSupport: Trauma And Grief – Enabling Schools

“I didn’t talk about mental health but I did talk about my happiness.”

Why should adults be interested in our Why should adults be interested in our happiness when it is affected by trauma and happiness when it is affected by trauma and

bereavement?bereavement?

• We have rights and adults have responsibilities. • We rely upon adults to help us grow up in a

healthy way• We need information about trauma and grief to

help us understand what is normal• We need a support plan which involves key

adults to help us feel safer and make healthy choices

• Healthy, happy individuals help to make a happier society

Some of our Best HopesSome of our Best Hopes

• Go a day without thinking about the person you lost or the other people affected

• Do better school work• To see them again• Try and not be an

arsehole to my family and friends

• To remember without getting upset

• Get people to understand what I’m going through

• To sleep at night• Stop teachers shouting at

me and making me feel worse

• To stop crying all the time• I wish people would

speak about it

What supports exist in schools?What supports exist in schools?

• Before STAGES – nothing

• It was bad• Not comfortable• Confidentiality• No one understood• Easier speaking to

friends but sometimes hard cos they don’t know what to say

Now that STAGES is hereNow that STAGES is here

• More confidence in myself• People understand what I’m going through• There is a plan• Seeing other people being brave helps me• More interaction• I feel better from having told my story• Meeting other bereaved young people lets

me know I’m not alone

What helps? – Support MeetingsWhat helps? – Support Meetings

• Having someone to talk to who understands about trauma and grief

• Explaining the grief curve

• Doing a family tree

• Explanation of the brain

• A bit scary at first but helped me to relax

• Less worried – Relieved – Proud – More space in my head to do other things

Other helpful thingsOther helpful things

• Having a plan to have more time to do homework and not getting detention

• It would be good to have a chill out zone

• Having organised time off school when I am depressed or really tired

• Someone to call up and tell the school what’s happened

• Not having to wait until things get worse like being excluded

• More support people in school

• Having hope• Making sure the school

knows what to do to help us

• Being able to say the words