New campaign launched to improve attendance and mental health in Staffordshire schools
Staffordshire students feature in promotional videos highlighting campaign messages
A campaign aimed at improving school attendance and encouraging open discussions about mental health has been introduced in Staffordshire.
The 'I'm Here' campaign, organized by Staffordshire County Council, features local secondary school students in two promotional videos to emphasize the significance of attending school regularly.
Resources including lesson plans and activity toolkits are part of the campaign, aiming to integrate awareness of mental health into everyday learning.
The campaign's webpage offers information about mental health support services and practical guidance for students, teachers, and parents.
This includes tips on initiating conversations about mental health, recognizing signs of anxiety, and finding suitable assistance for young people.
Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Staffordshire County Council, stressed the campaign's importance:
“Improving school attendance is one of our top priorities and it’s great that local students have taken centre stage for our campaign.
“We know that being in school not only helps children succeed academically but also supports their wider wellbeing and future opportunities.
“What makes this campaign powerful is that it’s been shaped by students themselves. It’s their voices and their experiences that are at the heart of it. Their invaluable input will not only help shine a light on the importance of school attendance, but also on something just as vital: talking openly about mental health and supporting one another.”
The initiative follows a concerning trend, with school attendance dropping by 2.3% in Staffordshire compared to previous years.
The success of the primary school attendance campaign 'Little Heroes' provides a foundation for 'I'm Here,' aiming to unite schools, pupils, and families in addressing attendance issues.
The promotional videos were filmed at Stafford Manor High School, where a premiere event was held last autumn.
Students and their families were among the first to view the films on the big screen.