Mental Health and Well-Being for Schools

Mental health, or being mentally healthy, is the capacity to feel, think and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with challenges or adversity. By participating in healthy school programs, children and youth develop positive coping skills, demonstrate resiliency, reduce stigma and improve social connectedness.  Students will also develop leadership skills and may feel more connected to their school community.

Mental Health Awareness

Elementary Student Mental Health Awareness Workshop

The 60-minute/two 30-minute or 80-minute/two 40-minute interactive workshop for students grades 4 to 8 is delivered virtually (by a Public Health Nurse/school staff) or in-class by school staff. The workshop is intended to educate students on stress, coping skills, mental health awareness and stigma reduction to help promote positive mental health within themselves and the school.

Contact your school’s Public Health Nurse or call Access York at 1-877-464-9675, TTY 1-866-512-6228 if you are interested in this workshop.

Lead On!

A Leadership Skill-Building Presentation for Grades 5 to 8 Students

The Lead On! Workshop teaches students in grades five to eight effective leadership strategies for motivating and engaging their peers in student-run school initiatives.

This interactive workshop is provided by a York Region Public Health Nurse and covers the following topics:  

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Decision-making
  • Stress
  • Motivation

Students who complete this workshop and implement these activities in their school will develop leadership skills, self-confidence and resilience.

Contact your school’s Public Health Nurse or call Access York at 1-877-464-9675, TTY 1-866-512-6228 if you are interested in this workshop.

Positive Mental Health, Resiliency and Stigma Reduction

Building Healthy Resilient Kids

Parents, caregivers, coaches and teachers all have a role to play in building a child’s resilience and confidence. Foster a child’s resiliency by believing in them and encouraging them to try new things and achieve their goals. Building positive relationships with children is important for them to grow up healthy and confident. Building Healthy Resilient Kids (60 second video)

External Resources