The Rotary Club of Rushen & Western Mann has generously provided funds to Castle Rushen High School in the Isle of Man to help develop a new emotional support service, entitled “Emotional First Aid”. With the help of Rotary, the school has been able to equip a permanent base for the service, in which students can feel safe about opening up and addressing their feelings.

Supporting our young people’s good mental health is an increasing priority of schools. UK statistics show that about 1 in 10 young people have a mental health problem and about 1 in 12 young people self-harm. Young people may feel hopeless or overwhelmed at times and may need support and encouragement to address the issues concerning them.

CRHS’s Emotional First Aid service is staffed by a combination of professionals and specifically trained school teachers. It provides initial support to students in a familiar environment, helping to make emotional situations better before they escalate. Students can self-refer, and appointments are given quickly and in confidence.

Keith Winstanley, Headteacher, says “We are grateful to the Rotary Club for its financial support in helping us to equip our Emotional First Aid room. Their investment will help us to support the emotional needs of our students across the 11 – 18 age range.” John Lindon, Chairman of the Public Relations Committee of the Rotary Club of Rushen & Western Mann replies “Caring about the well-being of the Island’s young people is very important to us. We were delighted to be able to help Castle Rushen High School to set up its emotional first aid provision.”

Interested members of the local community who would like to find out more about Emotional First Aid at Castle Rushen High School are welcome to contact the school on 01624 693500.