You can watch a recording of the "Time to RISE Up: Supporting Students' Mental Health in Schools" event, which was hosted by PE Scholar and recorded on Wednesday, 26th June here:
Webinar Overview
The “Time To Rise Up” book launch event focused on the critical importance of supporting students’ mental health and general wellbeing in schools.
Authored by Neil Moggan and published by our good friends at Scholarly, the book provides practical strategies backed by research to help educators address the growing mental health concerns among students.
Key Points Discussed
Introduction and Motivation for the Book
Neil Moggan, a teacher with 19 years of experience, was inspired to write the book due to the declining mental health of students he observed since 2010. "I've seen firsthand the struggles that students face, and it pushed me to find ways to support them better,"
Neil shared during the launch. The book aims to equip teachers with early intervention strategies for mental wellbeing in schools.
Life Expectancy and Socioeconomic Disparities
Neil highlighted a 13-year life expectancy difference for children in low socioeconomic areas in his school, emphasising the importance of addressing underlying issues through education and support. "Education isn't just about academics; it's about giving every child the chance to lead a healthy, fulfilling life," he stressed.
Book Structure and Key Topics
The book is divided into four parts:
Analysing the evidence of declining mental health
Early intervention Mental Wellbeing programmes
The Power of Trauma-informed practice
Moving forward together - Strategies for post-lockdown education
Key topics include polyvagal theory, trauma-informed practice, and the role of movement in supporting mental health.
Polyvagal Theory
Developed by Dr. Steven Porges, polyvagal theory explains how the nervous system responds to stress, impacting behaviour and social interactions. Understanding this theory helps teachers create a safe and engaging learning environment.
Trauma-Informed Practice
Based on the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma-informed practice involves recognising the prevalence of trauma, understanding its impact on behaviour, and treating students with respect and kindness to support their recovery.
Movement and Mental Wellbeing
The book introduces the “RISE” acronym (Repeaters, Inclusive Teams, Stress busters, Energisers) to help teachers incorporate physical activities that support mental wellbeing. Activities include repetitive exercises, team sports, stress-relieving exercises, and high-energy activities.
Application and Impact
The book provides practical strategies and reflective questions for teachers to implement in various contexts. Success stories from teachers who have applied these strategies demonstrate their positive impact on student wellbeing.
Final Messages and Hopes for the Book
The primary goal is to save lives and improve mental health outcomes for students. The book encourages educators to reflect on their practices and join a community dedicated to supporting students’ mental health. "If we can save even one life, the effort is all worth it," Neil concluded.
Get Your Copy Here!
Join us in making a difference in students' lives by prioritising mental health and wellbeing in education. Let's RISE Up together!
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