Should schools introduce Student Mental Health Ambassadors?

An interview with a Student Mental Health Ambassador (SMHA) at Westhoughton High School reveals the importance of this role and the impact it can make on wellbeing. 

The ambassador, who wishes to remain anonymous, understands that mental health issues are a concern becoming increasingly relevant to students and young people in school, with “many struggling in silence.”

As an SMHA, they have many responsibilities; they often “support fellow pupils who are struggling” and aim to “improve people’s overall mental health” by “implementing ideas across school to help students see positives.”

These plans, yet to be put in place, include drop-in sessions for younger pupils to meet SMHAs and discuss any worries they have about the years to come as high school students.

The ambassador decided to take on this role as they are “close friends with people who have struggled or are struggling with mental health issues” so they can see the impact that school life can have on students who are dealing with other concerns.

After being trained by mental health specialists, the team of Student Mental Health Ambassadors are equipped with the necessary skills to support learners around school.

The SMHA also drew attention to the different benefits of having students being trained to help others, alongside the Mental Health Support Team that the school already has.

They recognise how hard lots of pupils find it to talk to adults about any concerns they may have, and believe people would “feel less scared to talk about issues” with those closer to their age.

Perhaps SMHAs would be “[trusted] more as they are more relatable”, so students would feel more comfortable asking for help.

With necessary training complete, the Student Mental Health Ambassador is able to suggest ways to relieve common worries that come with school life, and report any serious issues to the relevant adults so that the pupil can get the assistance they need.

The SMHAs of Westhoughton High School are already having an incredible impact on their school. Perhaps other schools should consider this training.