1. Mental health and my mates
Section Title
Be In Your Mate’s Corner
Mental health and my mates
Length of the assembly: 10 minutes
There are 5 videos from YouTube to play in this assembly. It may be beneficial to load the pages before you begin – see slides 4-8

2. 1 in 10 young people will experience a mental health problem this year
Did you know?
1 in 10 young people will experience a mental health problem this year
Did you know that 1 in 10 young people will experience a mental health problem this year?
That’s around 3 people in every classroom.
And did you know that three out of four of those people fear the reaction of their friends when they talk about it?
That means that one of your mates might appreciate your help.
Too many people are made to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless as a result of the judgement around mental health problems. Being in your mate's corner could make all the difference and it is really not that hard. Today we’re going to look at how you can be in your mate’s corner.
This session marks the first of four weeks dedicated to talking about mental health and most importantly looking how we can be in each other’s corner. If you have any questions over the course of these 4 weeks or beyond, please feel free to come and talk to us.

3. Being there for your mates
It’s not hard to be in someone’s corner and the things you do can have a big impact
So if your mate is acting differently, step in.
You don’t have to be an expert to be a good friend.
Think about what you would do if your best mate broke their leg? You don’t have to know what it feels like to break a bone to know that getting round school is going to be pretty tough. You might carry their bag or their books, help them up the steps and you’d probably just ask what you can do to help. Being there for someone with a mental health problem is not any different.
The next five slides outline five ways you can be there for someone having a tough time...

4. Play Video Just be by their side
if the movie doesn’t work you can find the link here –

5. Play Video Do small things
if the movie doesn’t work you can find the link here –
When someone is feeling down, it doesn’t always take winning the lottery to turn their day around. It’s the small things we do for each other that can make a big difference.

6. Play Video Just reach out
if the movie doesn’t work you can find the link here –
There are many ways you can reach out to a friend: .
Visit them
Call them
Text them
Twitter
Snapchat

7. Play Video Listen, don’t judge
if the movie doesn’t work you can find the link here –
When your mate’s worried about their mental health or that of someone they know, one of the most important things is knowing that there is someone there to talk to. Being open to talking about mental health, and showing you care, will mean a lot.
Remind them you care
Be patient: there are times when they won’t feel like talking
Everyday questions can help – like ‘How’re you doing?’ or ‘How was it today?’

8. Play Video Do something together
if the movie doesn’t work you can find the link here -
When someone is feeling down, it doesn’t always take winning the lottery to turn their day around. It’s the small things we do for each other that can make a big difference.
Doing something together like going to the cinema, playing a board game, watching your favourite show
That passing compliment on a new outfit
A warm hug from a friend
Being praised for something you have accomplished

9. In Nikki’s Corner
“My friends Carys and Matt always tell me I can talk to them anytime I need to. The best thing they do is make me laugh. So, if you’re worried about your friend, your friendship is really what they need. It’s the little things that remind someone they aren’t alone”
We asked Nikki how her mates were there for her

10. In Celine’s Corner
“The most important thing is to reassure your friend that you are there for them, though it’s also important not to impose your ways of feeling better on them. Some people might not want to go on nights out when they’re feeling low. Everyone’s mind works differently”
Celine talks about the importance of reassuring a friend and making sure you listen to what they need

11. What could you do?
Think about your mates, you know them better than anyone. If one of your mates was acting differently how could you step in?
Ask them to discuss in pairs or let people sit and think about it for a minute.

12. You do not need to be an expert to be in your mate’s corner:
Remember
Remember
You do not need to be an expert to be in your mate’s corner:
Listen, don’t judge
Just reach out
Be by their side
Do small things
Do something together

13. Thank You Section Title Find out more: www.time-to-change.org.uk
End of presentation