- Raise awareness about mental health supports and resources available to students in the school, local community, and nationally
- For students to seek help for themselves or friends, they have to know what resources and support networks exist in their school and community.
- Entire school
- Seek permission from administrators
- Engage mental health staff at school, including counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses, to add information and resources to boxes and help find locations for them
DIY Option:
- Students will identify resources for support in the school, community, and nationally
- Print them or gather pamphlets/cards with the resources with support from the school mental health professional team
- Students will design postcards with positive affirmations and supportive messages about help-seeking
- Then, they’ll design an OMM box (shoe or another box) and place the OMM logo sticker and the phrase “Mental Health Resource Box” with multiple copies of the resources and cards inside
- Place the boxes in high-volume spaces around the school where other students can access the information
- Consider giving school mental health professionals extra boxes to keep in their offices and to share with students seeking help.
Digital Option:
- Students can create an e-box to share on their club or school webpage or via social media with electronic copies and links to the same resources
Alternative:
- If clubs prefer to order “Find Your Anchor” boxes, they can order them here
- All materials will be sent to the school and can be assembled by club members with the option to add their own local resources
- Students can still place the boxes in prominent locations
- Use this sample language to promote the campaign via posters, newsletters, and announcements. Feel free to adapt as needed for your school!
- “It is okay not to be okay and ask for help. We have people and resources in our school and community who can help. Want more information? Look for an OMM Mental Health Resource Box in the guidance counseling office and other places around the school.”
- Track the number of boxes created
- Were there more conversations about mental health resources? Great!
- Did students take information out of the boxes? Success!
- What was it like to create these boxes?
- How can we ensure that students who need these resources can find them?
- How else can our OMM club promote help-seeking?
- How can we ensure parents/guardians and other community embers know about mental health resources?
- Consider how to ensure the boxes stay filled with resources all year