Member Article

Pupils praised for mental health campaign ideas

Year 12 pupils from across North West Wales were praised by business leaders and charity bosses for their creative ideas to tackle stigma and discrimination associated with mental health.

The comments were made at an awards event which marked the end of the 2018/19 Profi project, a 15-week programme that helps develop valuable transferable employability skills.

Led by Bangor University, the students worked in groups to create campaigns to meet briefs set by Awyr Las and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board as part of their I CAN initiative.

The youngsters attended workshops facilitated by Bangor University to generate and progress ideas, film a video about their suggestions and journey, and produce exhibition stands and materials.

The groups then pitched their ideas to judges, with the winner scooping a cash prize for their ideas to come to fruition.

Ruth James, director of Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, a sponsor of the programme, joined the judging panel and said: “This is the second year we have worked with Profi. It’s been very reassuring to see the outcomes of this programme where businesses, schools, the university and charities have worked together.

“This programme gives young people the opportunity to develop their confidence by introducing workplace skills such as presenting, teamwork, problem solving, and communication.

“Jones Bros recognises the important role companies can play in schemes like Profi, which gives the students a great platform to fulfil their potential once they leave education.

“The youngsters had clearly put in a lot of thought and hard work and the quality of the presentations, films, and display stands were outstanding.”

Kim Jones, Profi project coordinator at Bangor University said: “Profi is solely funded by external support and our sixth year would not have been possible without our sponsors. “The number of groups doubled from last year to 12, which is a fantastic indication of how valuable it’s viewed by teachers, pupils, and parents.

“I’ve seen first-hand the growth and improvements of everyone taking part and I’m sure it will help them achieve their goals going forward.

“We are seeking sponsors and wider business support for our next programme and would ask anyone interested to get in touch to find out more.”

Rally driver and Welsh under 25s Welsh Tarmac champion Jade Paveley from Llandudno was guest speaker at the awards event and spoke about how the youngsters should follow their dreams, as well as how mental health plays an important role in the sport.

Full list of award winners:

· Overall winner (joint): Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen and Ysgol David Hughes (team 2) · Best film: Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle · Best presentation: Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones · Best display stand and interview: Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi · Spirit of Profi (group): Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle and Coleg Menai · Spirit of Profi (individual): o Owain Jones, Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni o Osian Evans, Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle o Chloe Hill, Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen o Owain Roberts, Ysgol Tryfan o Kayleigh Henson, Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .