Listen Well Scotland (LWS) is delighted to announce that Keith Grammar and Speyside High School will be participating in their new Listening Course for Schools – the Listen Well Award – being piloted in 6 schools in Scotland over the next few months.
Up to 16 pupils from each school will undertake this two-day interactive and experiential course which will provide the pupils with the opportunity not only to learn the skills of active listening using a particular approach but also to understand the importance of listening for health and wellbeing.
With the mental wellbeing of young people a priority within all schools across Scotland and the UK, LWS believes this training will:
- make a positive contribution to mental wellbeing through improved peer communication
- provide life skills and a greater awareness of the connection between listening and health and wellbeing.
- highlight the importance of listening for building resilience, improving concentration and achieving personal potential.
- impact positively on communication within their own families.
After the course, pupils will have the opportunity to produce a promotional video/material to communicate the importance of listening among young people in Scotland. Representatives from each school will be picked to participate in a display of this pilot and its outcomes at the Scottish Parliament Building early in the New Year.
In addition to this pilot the 6 schools have also expressed an interest in the provision of Listening Time4U -a time of one to one listening- provided by LWS adult Registered Listeners. Listening Time 4U provides time and a safe space for pupils to talk through a concern or worry in confidence with a trained listener. This would offer another layer of support for staff in addressing the mental wellbeing of the young people within their care. LWS provides a robust, quality training programme for volunteers. At present they are looking for volunteers who might be interested in undertaking the 9 month training programme in order to provide Listening Time 4U in the school setting.
For further information contact:
Maureen Wilson, Executive Co-ordinator, Listen Well Scotland
maureen@listenwellscotland.org.uk
