Sunday 10 October is World Mental Health Day, and ahead of this Packs of Positivity (POP) cards – a dedicated resource for schools to help support young people’s mental health – are being launched.

Members of the BCP Youth Parliament were awarded funding from BCP Council to develop a resource that would make a positive change in mental health in schools, especially after the impact of the pandemic.

The group, consulting closely with head teachers, local mental health charities and other young people, created a simple and accessible resource especially for pupils and teachers in secondary school classrooms.

The POP cards are a deck of A6 reusable information cards that provide bite-sized advice and information on issues such as, exam stress, panic attacks, anxiety and self-harming. They provide a way to access information and reassurance as well a discreet way to communicate with the classroom teacher so that the appropriate support can be offered.

The group have also worked on the development of teacher training, including a short information video, helping to raise awareness of the importance of recognising mental health issues in young people and to ensure that the POP cards are used effectively in the classroom. Students are advised to look out for the cards in their tutor groups.

Member of BCP Youth Parliament, Georgia Grogan, said: “We know that many young people will be experiencing mental health difficulties, and for some this has got worse since the COVID-19 pandemic. It was really important that we created a resource that was designed by young people for young people so that we produced something that is helpful and will genuinely make a positive difference for young people in schools.”

Cllr Mike White, portfolio holder for Children and Young People, said: “I am so inspired by our young people who have worked really hard to come up with a fantastic, innovative resource that will be available in every secondary school across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. I am confident that thanks to this project, it will have a significant positive impact on our young people who may be struggling with their mental health.”