With CAMHS and school counselling services under increasing pressure, four junior high schools in the Craigavon area have come together to provide additional support for pupils experiencing emotional wellbeing challenges and difficulties engaging with education.
Funded by the James Kane Foundation, a shared mentor/youth and family worker is supporting pupils across Clounagh, Killicomaine, Lurgan and Tandragee Junior High Schools through one-to-one and small group interventions.
The project aims to improve attendance, strengthen links between home and school, build resilience and self-esteem, and help young people develop more positive attitudes towards learning.
Early outcomes have been encouraging, with schools reporting improvements in pupil engagement and attendance. One pupil who had experienced Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance for approximately 18 months successfully returned to school on a reduced timetable, describing themselves as being “proud” of what they had achieved.
Parents and pastoral teams have also highlighted the positive impact of the mentoring service, noting that trusted relationships and coordinated multi-agency support are helping young people remain connected to education and better equipped to overcome challenges.
“In the short space of time, that I have been in this role I have seen positive relationships formed with pupils and effective outcomes for pupils as a result of multiagency efforts in ensuring the needs of the child are put first.”