Notts mental health support group supporting local school children to speak out
Dr Orlaith Green a co-founder of Nott Alone
By Henry Green
More than 30 local schools attended an event aimed at creating awareness of the importance of children’s mental health.
Every February, Nottingham-based organisation NottAlone host a live event in which schools from around the county are invited to workshops encouraging children to speak out.
The event took place this week on Tuesday (February 4) and Wednesday (February 5), with more than 700 children attending from more than 50 schools.
Dr Orlaith Green co-founded Nott Alone after young people told her they struggled to find information about where to get help.
She said: “We really want help and guidance to be available when young people need it and also for it to be on their phone because they need to be able to get help as quickly as they can.
“The event brings NottAlone to life things have improved in terms of people talking about their mental health but there’s always a way to go but I do think that young people have a real confidence in this area and they are really good at helping each other,” Orlaith added.
One in four people will experience a mental health problem each year, according to mental health charity Mind.
Fellow co-founder Dr Maddi Popoola said that the amount of people talking about mental health is “growing” but needs to “continue to grow”.
“Schools are a really important part of mental health and wellbeing which is why we really encourage staff to come along as well so that they get to see the importance of this for young people,” she said.
“We’ve got a whole host of mental health services and community groups that support young people with their wellbeing so the idea of the event is that young people in Nottingham can come along and see what’s on offer and at the same have some fun,” Maddi added.
The NottAlone website offers people the chance to select how they are feeling and then advices young people on where to get help that suits their needs.
Singer-songwriter Romy Woodward, 15, was performing her songs, which contain lyrics influenced by her own mental health, at the event.
Romy said: “I think it’s a great event to get people talking about it, you never know what’s going on in people’s heads.
“I definitely write about mental health, a lot of my songs are about quite heavy subjects and I like using my songs to spread awareness on them,” she added.
Lara Romeo and Emily-Nile Kibuuka, who are year seven students at Arnold Hill Secondary School, performed their rap about mental health at the event.
Emily said: “Not only is our mental health important but everyone’s mental health is important, loads of kids can come together and have a voice.
“Our rap was about us sharing the same counsellor we dedicated it to her because she’s been helping us with stuff we find hard to express,” she added.
Lara added: “I feel like I can be heard because I struggle with my mental health, we [her and Emily] struggle with the same things so our counsellor has helped us mentally.”
NottAlone Live has been running for three years now with young people able to access their website and find out more about their services here.
If you or someone you know is struggling with your mental health you can access the Samaritans website here or you can phone them on 116 123.
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