The Background

The Rotary Club heard from Josie Corrin, a teacher at Ramsey Grammar School, who was and remains the member of staff responsible for Mental Health in the school.

This was a relatively new role, certainly on an official basis but it marked an important acknowledgement by the Department of Education in respect of the mental health of both pupils and teachers alike.

Mental Health is always a worrying topic but given the broad spectrum of what falls into this area, it is surprising how many people are affected in one shape or form.

RGS had allocated a specific room in the East Building in which Josie and her colleagues could speak to people affected in different ways, to help reduce the impact on their day to day lives.  

However, the room was "bare bones" having been a department heads office for many years.  A plan was born between Josie and Past President Marc Pons-Burt, to transform this room into a haven.  Something within the establishment, which allowed people to lose themselves for a short space in time in a safe space.

With the assistance of PP Frank Pattison and his close association with the Northern Live at Home Scheme and more specifically, Men in Sheds, the Club organised for the room to be renovated, making it a brighter place.

Work was completed in time for the start of the Autumn term 2017.  With additional funding from the Eric & Marion Scott Trust, the room was furnished is was made into the welcoming place it needed to be.

Plus, on the back of this success, the Club also supported another room being built in the West building of the School to make the accessibility more inclusive.