The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Foreword from Dr. John Hillery, FRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist
1
The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
The Amber Flag Initiative is a timely and welcome project. I congratulate Suicide
Aware for developing a process that will involve people of all ages in developing and
taking part in activities that promote positive mental health. I am delighted to introduce
the Amber Flag Initiative.
Every credit to the team at Suicide Aware, for developing a tool that will encourage
people of all ages, to work on positive mental health at this critical time for our country.
In the last few decades Irish people have become increasingly aware of the need to take
care of their physical health. Unfortunately as the signs of a crisis in mental health such
as alcohol and substance abuse, self-harm and suicide seem to be frequent in our
communities, people want to do something but feel helpless. This need not be the case.
Illness is something we need help to cure but positive health starts with what we do
ourselves. Simple and easy activities can change the health of individuals and
communities in a positive way. Being healthy is about physical and mental fitness. It is
about habits and activities that become a part of our lives. Building healthy
communities is about individuals looking after their own health and working together to
encourage others to do the same. It can be as simple as remembering to breathe and take
time for ourselves to do something we enjoy and that absorbs us, or as complex as
organising a community initiative to include marginalised people in everyday
community activities. It can be as simple as inviting an acquaintance for a cup of tea or
as complex as organising a regular social gathering to promote relationships in our
community. It can be as simple as reminding people to take time to say hello or as
complex as advocating with politicians to decrease the inequality in our region, or the
country as a whole. In between all these are many activities that will improve the mental
health of those who organise them, those who engage with them and of the community
as a whole.
The Amber Flag Initiative gives us a framework to develop such ideas and idealism.
Taking part will help the health of all who take part and will have a positive effect on
individuals and communities. When people are sick they need the help of professionals
like myself. The secret is that promoting health is not about health professionals, it is
that everyone can promote mental health. Please take part in the Amber Flag
Initiative. Take control of mental health. Enjoy.
Dr. John Hillery, FRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist, Advisor to Suicide Aware
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
The Union of Students in Ireland is happy to support The Amber Flag initiative. We
encourage students to start the conversation about Mental Health. No matter how
happy someone may seem, don't be afraid to ask them how they are, you never know
how they are feeling on the inside.
We want students to take action by getting involved in activities to combat the stress
and mental strains they experience. The Amber Flag initiative encourages and
recognizes the fantastic work being done on the promotion of positive Mental Health
in Student Unions and Colleges across the country.
It is important that students are aware of the wide range of services available to them
while studying. College is great fun but it can sometimes have its stresses too. The
Students Union Welfare Officer is there to support you. They can offer advice and
support on a broad range of issues or even just pop in for a chat!
Greg O’Donoghue
Vice President for Welfare
Union of Students in Ireland
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Foreword from the President of The Institute of Guidance Counsellors
I am pleased to commend this valuable initiative from Suicide Aware in promoting
positive mental health among the community. The awarding of the AMBER FLAG to
schools, youth organisations, voluntary groups and sporting clubs who participate, is
due recognition for the effort and commitment they have put into generating greater
understanding and awareness of mental health issues.
I have no doubt that the education and awareness programme associated with the
initiative will do much to demystify issues around mental health, and encourage many
young people to be more open in both talking about their own concerns, but also in
understanding the worries and anxieties of others whom they come in contact with on a
daily basis, whether through work, school or in pursuit of sporting and leisure activities.
The guidelines drawn up by Suicide Aware are clear and easy to follow. They also
allow different
groups
to
adapt
them
to
meet
their individual
workplace/community/social/sporting/voluntary requirements.
The Institute of Guidance Counsellors is very happy to endorse this initiative, and to
commend it as a valuable contribution in the promotion of positive mental health among
the community.
Gerry Flynn, President
Institute of Guidance Counsellors (Project Partners)
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Foreword from Dr. Ella Arensman
I welcome the development of the Amber Flag initiative by Suicide Aware for
various reasons. This positive mental health promoting initiative will stimulate young
people and the wider community to “talk, connect and share” when in a challenging
emotional state, by pro-actively putting in place collaborative initiatives in schools and
community-based settings. Vulnerable people and those at risk of suicidal behaviour
often feel less connected or even disconnected from others. The strong emphasis of the
Amber Flag approach to connect and re-connect people is therefore innovative and
encouraging in making a real effort to reduce stigma and improve support and helpseeking behaviour among young people and adults.
The Amber Flag approach is consistent with the criteria of the newly developed
Guidelines for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Promotion by the National Office
for Suicide Prevention, Department of Education and Skills and Department of Health,
and even provides examples of innovative events in schools aimed at reducing the
stigma associated with mental health.
The youth focused Amber Flag activities are complementary to other positive
mental health promoting initiatives, such as Mind Yourself and Mind Out. I therefore,
would recommend further collaboration and integration among the stakeholders
involved.
The proposed mental health promoting activities under the Amber Flag are designed
in such a way that a wide range of key stakeholders is involved, which will contribute to
successful implementation and ensure sustainability
Dr. Ella Arensman
Director of Research, National Suicide Research Foundation,
Adjunct-Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCC
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Suicide Aware
Mission Statement
As a National Voluntary Organisation founded in 2009 our mission in Suicide
Aware is to promote Positive Mental Health to young people and the wider
community. We want to provide individuals with the opportunity to Talk,
Connect and Share when in a challenging emotional state. We want to reduce
the Stigma associated with Mental illness through education, one-to-one
support and raising awareness through events organisation and fundraising.
STIGMA AND MENTAL HEALTH
The Stigma attached to Mental Illness is the main obstacle to the provision of
care for people with this disorder. Stigma does not stop at illness. It marks
those who are ill, their families across generations, institutions that provide
treatment and Mental Health workers. Stigma enables the community see
people with a mental illness with low regard and can lead to discrimination.
Suicide Aware (Ireland) Limited
Registered Charity Number CHY18758 (Limited Company)
087 0454202
www.suicideaware.ie
www.amberflag.ie
suicideaware@gmail.com
Patron:
Mentors:
Miriam O’Callaghan, R.T.E. Broadcaster and Presenter
Pat Falvey, Worldwide Explorer and Adventurer
Gillian O’Sullivan. World and Olympian Champion.
Directors : Caoimhe Galvin, Cearbhall Behan, Daithi O’Donnabhain,
Frank Mulvihill, Ian Delahunty, Martin Dowd, Mick O’Driscoll,
Tanya O’Sullivan, Patricia Behan
Special Advisor: Dr. John Hillery, FRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist
The Amber Flag is a Suicide Aware Project with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors and
the Union of Students of Ireland as Project Partners.
© Copyright 2013
All Members, Directors and Committees work in a voluntary capacity with no paid
employees and no commission agents. All funds raised provide support and counselling for
people in crisis and in promoting the Amber Flag Project nationally
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Contents
Page
Amber Flag Philosophy
8
Amber Flag Achievement Steps For Schools
9
Amber Flag project Ideas for Schools/Colleges
10
Amber Flag Achievement Steps for Colleges
11-12
Amber Flag Achievement Steps For Clubs
13
Amber Flag project Ideas for Associations/Companies
14
Form 1 - Amber Flag Team and Co-Ordinator’s Names
15
Form 2 - Audit of activities and services
16
Form 3 - List of 4 Goals/Tasks for Amber Flag
17
Form 4 - Application Form for Amber Flag
18
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Philosophy
The AMBER FLAG initiative aims to encourage Schools/Colleges/
Clubs/Societies/Organisations to promote and actively bring about a culture
change in the promotion of positive mental health within the educational system
and other organisations. It is to enhance the already good work that is going on
where mental health is concerned by offering an award.
There is wonderful work going on in schools and clubs etc on an individual
basis. What the Amber Flag will do is acknowledge these efforts and unite all
schools/clubs/societies/community groups in the promotion of “Positive Mental
Health”. It becomes a daily topic of conversation leading to a cultural shift
where mental health becomes “The Norm” leading to the breaking down of
“Stigma” that is associated with mental health resulting in individuals seeking
help sooner, when mental health issues arise.
Positive Mental Health aims to:
A. Promote mental health and well-being for all.
B. Prevent mental health problems through increasing awareness, social
support, reducing risk factors such as racism, bullying and isolation.
C. Improving quality of life for students/people with mental health problems
by promoting recovery through awareness and education.
The culture shift in Mental Health can only become the norm when
challenges like achieving the Amber Flag become recognised as a central
programme of activity in the colleges/schools/clubs and associations.
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Amber Flag Achievement Steps For Schools/Colleges
1.
The school must establish an Amber Flag Project Team. This can
be done by election or volunteering. The names of the members of the team
shall be recorded on Form 1 at the commencement of each school year.
This team should comprise a cross-section of the school community but the
majority must be students. One staff member shall be named as the CoOrdinator of the Amber Flag initiative. The terms of reference of the team
should be to promote Positive Mental Health in the school and should take
cognisance of roles already in existence in the school that may have an
involvement in this area. Professionals such as Guidance Counsellors and
SPHE teachers have an invaluable role to play in such matters and should
be consulted prior to the formation of the committee. Try to involve
representatives from as many stakeholders as possible. (e.g. the HSE may
be willing to have an input into the project and professionals like Mental
Health nurses and other agencies may like to be involved). It is up to each
school to decide how the team shall operate. Records of meetings shall be
kept for evidence of the work of the team.
2.
Once constituted the team shall prepare an Audit of the activities
and services in the school that promote an ethos of Positive Mental Health.
These are recorded on Form 2.
3.
The team should then identify 3 goals/tasks to enhance the
existing educational provision and support structures in the area of mental
health promotion in the school. These should be achievable in the duration
of one school year. A Mental Health Awareness Day must be included
as one of the 3 goals. This could be a fixed date each year and could be
used to include the wider community as well as those within the school.
These should be recorded on Form 3.
Once the goals have been agreed an Application for the
Amber Flag may be made using Form 4. The address for this
application is contained in your Amber Flag Booklet. You may also
apply online. The team must then carry out its 3 goals over the school
year. Towards the end of the school year a presentation of the Amber
Flag will take place. The Amber Flag must be flown outside the school
building in a conspicuous place where it will convey the caring ethos of
your school and the importance it places on Mental Health. A number
of suggestions to assist teams are available in this guide but this list is
not exhaustive and teams are encouraged to develop their own ideas.
There may be a small charge payable towards the cost of producing
the flag.
4.
5.
New members should be encouraged to join the team at the
beginning of each school year and the new team shall outline its 3
goals/tasks for the next school year on a new and signed Form 3.
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Amber Flag Project Ideas for Schools/Colleges
The best ideas often emerge from the team itself but the following are some
popular ideas.
1. Establish an Amber Flag notice board. This should contain the Amber
Flag logo.
2. Publish newsletter or use part of an existing newsletter to promote
Amber Flag activities.
3. Organise a Positive Mental Health Seminar in your school or organise for
a year group to attend a seminar such as MentaliTY. (MentaliTY is a
seminar organised by Suicide Aware for Transition Year groups
throughout the country.
4. Organise a fundraiser/awareness day for Suicide Aware. This can be
used to generate awareness of the Suicide Aware Contact details, email
addresses and 24-hour helpline.
5. Establish a school Mentoring system where 5th Year students mentor 1st
Year students.
6. Develop a project idea to be carried out in SPHE or Transition Year.
7. Design a Poster Competition promoting the Amber Flag ideals and the
24-hour Helpline phone number. Slogans might include A Problem
Shared is a Problem Halved, Talk is Cheap – But Priceless, Don’t Leave
Town Alone, A Healthy Body is a Healthy Mind, Sport – not just a Game,
and so on.
8. Devise a Mental Health Policy for your school.
9. Compose a Rap on Positive Mental Health. A rapping competition could
be held.
10. Compose a 30 second radio advert on the theme of Mental Health.
Some of these may be aired by Red FM.
11. Compose a Short video on Mental Health.
12. Put on a Play/Drama in your school/community.
13. Get some publicity in the local press. Regular articles or photos of
completed projects. Representatives from Suicide Aware are always
willing to attend for presentations etc.
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Amber Flag Achievement Steps for Colleges
1. The college must establish an Amber Flag Project Team
(Welfare/Campaigns) Crew. This can be done by election or
volunteering. The names of the members of the team shall be
recorded on Form 1 at the commencement of each college year.
This team should comprise a cross-section of the college community
but the majority must be students. The Student Union Welfare
Officer shall be named as the Co-Ordinator of the Amber Flag
initiative. The terms of reference of the team should be to promote
Positive Mental Health in the college and should take cognisance of
roles already in existence in the college that may have an
involvement in this area. Professionals such as Counsellors and
college staff have an invaluable role to play in such matters and
should be consulted prior to the formation of the committee. Try to
involve representatives from as many stakeholders as possible. (E.g.
the HSE may be willing to have an input into the project and
professionals like Mental Health nurses and other agencies may like
to be involved). It is up to each college to decide how the team shall
operate. Records of meetings shall be kept for evidence of the work
of the team.
2. Once constituted the team shall prepare an Audit of the activities
and services in the college that promote an ethos of Positive Mental
Health. These are recorded on Form 2.
3. The team should then identify 3 goals/tasks to enhance the existing
educational provision and support structures in the area of mental
health promotion in the college. These should be achievable in the
duration of the college year. A Mental Health Awareness Day must
be included as one of the 3 goals. This could be a fixed date each
year and could be used to include the wider community as well as
those within the college. These should be recorded on Form 3.
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
4. Once the goals have been agreed an Application for the Amber Flag
may be made using Form 4. The address for this application is
contained in your Amber Flag Booklet. You may also apply online.
The team must then carry out its 3 goals over the college year.
Towards the end of the college year a presentation of the Amber
Flag will take place. The Amber Flag must be flown outside the
college building in a conspicuous place where it will convey the
caring ethos of your college and the importance it places on Mental
Health. A number of suggestions to assist teams are available in this
guide but this is not exhaustive and teams are encouraged to
develop their own ideas. There may be a small charge payable
towards the cost of producing the flag.
5. New members should be encouraged to join the team at the
beginning of each college year and the new team shall outline its 3
goals/tasks for the next college year on a new signed Form 3.
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Amber Flag Achievement Steps For
Clubs/Societies/Associations/Companies
1. The Club must establish an Amber Flag Project Team. The names of
the members of the team shall be recorded on Form 1 at the
commencement of each year. This project team may vary from 2 to as
many members as the club wishes. One member shall be named as the
Co-ordinator of the Amber Flag initiative. The terms of reference of the
project team should be to promote Positive Mental Health in the Club
and should take cognisance of roles already in existence in the Club that
may already have an involvement in this area. Professionals such as
Chairman/ Coaches/Trainers have an invaluable role to play in such
matters and should be consulted prior to the formation of the committee.
It is up to each Club to decide how the team shall operate. Records of
meetings/activities shall be kept for evidence of the work of the team.
2. Once constituted the team shall prepare an Audit of the activities and
services in the Club that promote an ethos of Positive Mental Health.
These are recorded on Form 2.
3. The Club should then identify 3 goals/tasks to enhance the existing
educational provision and support structures in the area of mental health
promotion in the Club. These should be achievable in the duration of one
year. A Mental Health Awareness Day/Evening must be included as
one of the 3 goals. This could be a fixed date each year. These should
be recorded on Form 3.
4. Once the goals have been agreed an Application for the Amber
Flag may be made using Form 4 or made online. The address for
this application is contained in this Amber Flag booklet.
5. Once approved, the Flag will be sent to your Club and must be
flown outside the Club building in a conspicuous place where it will
convey the caring ethos of your Club and the importance it places
on Mental Health.
6. The team must then carry out its 3 goals over the year in which the
flag was presented. A number of suggestions to assist teams are
available in this guide but this list is not exhaustive and teams are
encouraged to develop their own ideas.
7. Clubs must elect a new team at the beginning of each year and
outline its 3 goals/tasks for the next year on a new Form 3. This
should be signed by the co-ordinator.
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Amber Flag Project Ideas for
Clubs/Societies/Associations/Companies
The best ideas often emerge from the team itself but the following are some
popular ideas.
1. Establish an Amber Flag notice board. This should contain the Amber
Flag logo.
2. Publish a newsletter or use part of an existing newsletter to promote
Amber Flag activities.
3. Organise a Positive Mental Health Seminar in your Club.
4. Establish a Mentoring system where senior players mentor junior club
members.
5. Junior members could design a Poster promoting the Amber Flag ideals
and the Suicide Aware e-mail, helpline and phone numbers.
Slogans might include:
A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved, Talk is Cheap – But Priceless,
Don’t Leave Town Alone, Healthy Body, Healthy Mind,
Be a Team Player - Mind your Mental Health,
Sport- Not just a Game and so on.
We at Suicide Aware are always working hard to raise awareness but we
also need funds to further our projects and help people in crisis. If you are
running a fundraiser as part of your project please keep us in mind, as we
need the funds to help others. You can also donate at iDonate.ie which is on
our Suicide Aware Website.
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Form 1
Details of the Amber Flag team and Co-Ordinator’s name
College/School/Club/Society/Organisation- Name:
_______________________________________
Address:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Co-Ordinator’s name: ________________________________________
Team member 1:
________________________________________
Team member 2:
________________________________________
Team member 3:
________________________________________
Team member 4:
________________________________________
Team member 5:
________________________________________
Team member 6:
________________________________________
Team member 7:
________________________________________
Team member 8:
________________________________________
Team member 9:
________________________________________
Team member 10:
________________________________________
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Form 2
Audit of the activities and services in existence
School/College/Institute/Club/Society/Association/Company
promote an ethos of Positive Mental Health.
in
the
that
Outline each activity/service and how it supports Positive Mental Health
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Form 3
List of 3 Goals/Tasks for Amber Flag
University/Institute/School/Club/Society/Association/Company
Name: ___________________________________________
Year: _______________________
Goal 1:
___________________________________________________
Completion date:
_______________________
Person responsible:
________________________________________
Goal 2:
___________________________________________________
Completion date:
_______________________
Person responsible:
________________________________________
Goal 3:
___________________________________________________
Completion date:
_______________________
Person responsible:
________________________________________
Goal 4:
___________________________________________________
Completion date:
_______________________
Person responsible:
________________________________________
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The Amber Flag Initiative
Promoting Positive Mental Health
In Colleges, Institutes, Schools, Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Companies
Form 4
Application Form for Amber Flag
University/Institute/School/Club/Society/Association/CompanyName:
___________________________________________________________
Address:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Co-Ordinator’s name: ________________________________________
I wish to apply for membership of the Amber Flag initiative. I confirm that the
School/College/Club/Society/Association/Company named above has an
Amber Flag Team and has identified 3 goals/tasks, one of which is a Mental
Health Awareness day. It is our intention to fly the Amber Flag in a prominent
place outside the premises
to generate Mental Health awareness and to
Promote Positive Mental Health.
I confirm that permission has been obtained for photos of our students to be used in
conjunction with the Amber Flag initiative. This includes use on websites and printed
publications.
Signed (Project Co-Ordinator):
___________________________________
Position in School/College/Institute/Club/
Association/Society/Company
___________________________
Contact Number:____________________________________________
Email:______________________________________________________
Please complete and forward Forms 3 & 4 with your Application to:
Amber Flag,
Suicide Aware, Hillside House, Rochestown, Cork, Ireland
087-9454202
www.amberflag.ie
www.suicideaware@gmail.com
Registered Charity Number CHY18758 ©Copyright 2013
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