The students of Banbridge Academy were engaged in a range of activities during Mental Health Awareness Week.  They took part in a series of workshops to develop strategies to improve their mental health.  This essential training aims to enhance coping strategies to help students manage their mental health.  Workshops for each year group covered a range of issues such as self-harm and suicide prevention, self-image, building resilience, managing stress and relaxation techniques.  In addition, the Academy in conjunction with all the other post primary schools in the Banbridge Area Learning Community, organised an Information Session at the Belmont Hotel for the parents in the community.  On the evening there were two key speakers who provided advice and guidance to our parents/guardians to enable them to support and advise their children on mental health issues.  The two presentations were extremely well received by all:  Damian Harvey, Regional Support Manager C2k Southern – Social Media and Online Resilience and Mary and Eddie Bannon (PIPs) – The Role of Resilience in Maintaining Emotional Health.  Other local and national organisations, which offer support in our local community, were also present on the night to talk to parents about concerns and provided advice on the services available for young people in our area.