Mental Wellness Programmes in Schools and Junior Colleges

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for Education (a) if he can provide an update on the mental wellness programmes implemented in primary and secondary schools as well as junior colleges; (b) what is the pickup rate for mental illnesses at these different levels; and (c) how are the treatment interventions for these students planned.

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Schools promote the mental well-being of students by:

(a) providing them with a caring and supportive school environment so that they can develop healthy relationships with teachers and friends;

(b) equipping students with social and emotional skills through explicit teaching and providing opportunities to practise; and

(c) providing a balanced and engaging curriculum so that students develop holistically, explore their interests and discover their strengths.

Schools also make use of mental health education packages called Mind Your Mind, which are jointly produced by Health Promotion Board and MOE. Primary school children are taught ways to manage stress and anger, while Secondary school students learn about positive self-esteem, communication skills and how to deal with stress and depression.

Schools also watch out for students who may be exhibiting signs of anxiety and depression and refer them for appropriate interventions. Form Teachers play a key role in identifying these students, and trained school counsellors follow up closely.

Students with more complex problems are referred to the REACH (Response, Early Intervention and Assessment in Community Mental Health) team for professional consultation and assessment. REACH is a multi-disciplinary team comprising medical doctors, clinical psychologists, medical social workers, occupational therapists and nurses. In 201112, REACH assessed that 250 students (or 0.05% of the student population) required specialised care. They were followed up by doctors at the Specialist Outpatient Clinics in the hospitals near their schools.

Another 250 students referred by schools were supported directly by the REACH team. REACH links up with partners (such as General Practitioners for medication and Family Service Centres for family-related issues) for individualised treatment within the community. The REACH team also provides individualised and group therapies in cases where students' conditions have stabilised and can be managed in the community without the need for medication.

For students supported mainly by school counsellors, the REACH team provides phone and email consultation on individualised management recommendations and therapy materials.

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