News: Listen Well Scotland Award for local schools

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