1. Be In Your Mate’s Corner
Section Title
Be In Your Mate’s Corner
What is mental health?
Length of the assembly: 10 minutes

2. Did you know? Did you know?
The majority of people recover from mental health problems, especially if they seek help early
Last week we talked about looking after our own mental health. You do not need to be an expert to look out for a mate but this week we’re going to learn a bit more about mental health and mental health problems.

3. What is mental health?
We all have mental health just as we all have physical health
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act
Our mental health can vary over the course of our life
Learning a few facts about mental health problems might help you to feel more confident about talking and listening

4. See if you can tell the myth from the fact...
Myth v. Fact
There are a lot of myths around mental health problems.
These can often lead to people unnecessarily reacting negatively, judgementally or being afraid of those of us who experience mental health problems.
See if you can tell the myth from the fact...
There are lots of myths about mental health.
Knowing a few facts can help us to challenge any negative thoughts and actions.
The next few slides look at a few common myths and facts. Ask your group of young people to put their hand up if they believe it is a myth or a fact.

5. MYTH Myth v. Fact Mental health problems are very rare
Fact: 1 in 10 young people will experience a mental health problem in any given year
Put your hand up if you think the statement is a myth or a fact. The answer will reveal when you click and the opposing myth/fact will appear.

6. Myth v. Fact
People with mental health problems cannot work or go to school
MYTH
Fact: Around 3 people in every classroom will experience a mental health problem, most of whom will experience full and ordinary lives
Put your hand up if you think the statement is a myth or a fact. The answer will reveal when you click and the opposing myth/fact will appear.

7. Myth v. Fact
People with mental health problems are usually violent and unpredictable
MYTH
Fact: People with mental health problems are much more likely to be the victims of violence
Often people with mental health problems are portrayed inaccurately in the media and in sensational films, this can lead to people having incorrect perceptions about individuals with diagnoses such as schizophrenia.
Put your hand up if you think the statement is a myth or a fact. The answer will reveal when you click and the opposing myth/fact will appear.

8. MYTH Myth v. Fact People who self harm are attention seeking
Fact: Self harm can be a physical response to an emotional pain, if you are worried about yourself or someone else please talk to a responsible adult
Put your hand up if you think the statement is a myth or a fact. The answer will reveal when you click and the opposing myth/fact will appear.
If you would like more information on self harm to feel more equipped with this topic, please see our factsheet -

9. MYTH Myth v. Fact Only girls can experience an eating disorder
Fact: Anyone, young or old can experience an eating disorder, if you are worried about yourself or someone else please talk to a responsible adult
Of the 1.6 million people who experience an eating disorder in the UK, 11% are male.
Put your hand up if you think the statement is a myth or a fact. The answer will reveal when you click and the opposing myth/fact will appear.
If you would like more information on eating disorders to feel more equipped with this topic, please see our factsheet -

10. Play Video What does it feel like?
The best way to dispel any myths you have around mental health problems is to meet people who experience them and see that they are no different to you. This video shows the experiences of a few people who have experienced mental health problems and some of the negative reactions that come with it.
If the video does not work use this link -

11. In your corner
Mental health problems are really common and 1 in 10 young people will experience them this year.
If you have tried ways to improve your mental health and things are not getting better or if you are worried at all about how you are feeling:
Speak to a parent, teacher or your GP
Speak to a responsible adult who you trust
Call Childline –
This could potentially be a triggering topic and you may have people approach you after the session. It is worth letting your safeguarding lead know that you are broaching this topic.

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