Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) · 2nd Year · Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health · 1.º Período

Seeking Help and Support

Students identify the support networks available to them in their school and community. They practice how to ask for help for themselves or a friend in distress.

TL;DR:Seeking help is a fundamental life skill that bridges the gap between recognizing a problem and resolving it. In this topic, students move from internal awareness to external action. They identify the specific layers of support available to them, from trusted adults in school (like the Guidance Counsellor or Year Head) to national services like Childline or Jigsaw. This aligns with SPHE Learning Outcome 4.5, ensuring students know the 'where' and 'how' of seeking help.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• SPHE LO 4.5: Know where and how to seek help for mental health concerns
• SPHE LO 3.4: Show empathy and care for others

About This Topic

Seeking help is a fundamental life skill that bridges the gap between recognizing a problem and resolving it. In this topic, students move from internal awareness to external action. They identify the specific layers of support available to them, from trusted adults in school (like the Guidance Counsellor or Year Head) to national services like Childline or Jigsaw. This aligns with SPHE Learning Outcome 4.5, ensuring students know the 'where' and 'how' of seeking help.

Beyond their own needs, students also learn how to be a supportive friend. They practice the delicate balance of showing empathy without taking on the burden of being a professional therapist. This topic is highly practical and benefits from active learning strategies like mock trials or role plays, where students can practice the actual words needed to start a difficult conversation.

Key Questions

1. When should we seek help for our mental health?
2. What support services are available to young people?
3. How can we support a friend who is struggling?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Asking for help is 'snitching' or a betrayal of trust.

What to Teach Instead

Students often fear losing a friend's trust if they report a concern. Through structured debate, teachers can help students distinguish between 'telling' to get someone in trouble and 'reporting' to keep someone safe.

Common Misconception

Support services are only for 'extreme' cases.

What to Teach Instead

Many students wait until a crisis to seek help. Using a 'Support Continuum' activity helps them see that services are there for everyday stress and early intervention, not just emergencies.

Active Learning Ideas

Gallery Walk

Support Services Map

Place posters around the room detailing different support services (local and national). Students circulate with a worksheet to identify which service is best for specific scenarios, such as bullying, anxiety, or family issues.

30 min·Individual

Role Play

Starting the Conversation

In pairs, students practice two scripts: one where they ask an adult for help and one where they encourage a friend to talk to a professional. Focus on using 'I' statements and clear, direct language.

25 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle

School Support Scavenger Hunt

Groups are given a list of school-based support roles. They must find out where these people are located in the school and the best way to contact them, creating a 'Help Guide' for first-year students.

40 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the 'seeking help' lesson less intimidating?

Use active learning to normalize the process. Instead of a lecture, use a 'Support Scavenger Hunt' or a matching game. When students physically interact with the names and locations of support services, the services feel more like a normal part of the school environment and less like a scary last resort.

What are the most important support services for Irish teens?

Key services include Jigsaw (youth mental health), Childline (ISPCC), BeLonG To (LGBTI+ support), and SpunOut.ie. It is also vital to emphasize school-based supports like the SPHE teacher, Guidance Counsellor, and the Chaplain, as these are the most immediate points of contact.

How do I teach students to support a friend without burning out?

Teach the 'ALAN' model: Ask, Listen, Act, Network. Emphasize that their role is to listen and then help their friend connect with an adult. Use role plays to practice the specific phrase: 'I care about you, but this is too big for me to handle alone. Let's talk to someone who can help.'

Is it okay to invite a guest speaker for this topic?

Yes, speakers from organizations like Jigsaw can be very effective. However, ensure the session remains active. Ask the speaker to facilitate a Q&A or a small group activity rather than just giving a presentation, so students remain engaged with the content.