Summer Workshops for CoSer 525 Community Schools 2023

Community Schools at CABOCES was busy this summer! We had workshops focusing on mental health, social and emotional learning, resilience, wellness, and so much more. As a reminder, any of these workshops and offerings can be brought to your district! Reach out to [email protected] if you are interested in bringing Community School resources and workshops to your district!
 
Mental Health First Aid

Just as physical health emergencies demand swift action and support, so do mental health crises. Mental health first aid is a vital skill that empowers individuals to provide immediate assistance to those experiencing mental health challenges. Like traditional first aid, which addresses physical injuries, mental health first aid equips individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to offer initial aid and support to someone in emotional distress. In this article, we delve into the importance of mental health first aid and how it contributes to a more compassionate and understanding society.
 
Participants were able to understand:
Key Components of Mental Health First Aid
Recognize Signs and Symptoms
Have Effective Communication
Provide reassurance and Support
Encourage Professional Help
Practice Self-Care and Boundaries

Benefits to Society:
Reducing Stigma
Early Intervention
Community Resilience
Improved Well-Being
 
Mental health first aid is an essential component of a compassionate and empathetic society. By educating individuals about recognizing signs of emotional distress, offering non-judgmental support, and facilitating access to professional help, mental health first aiders play a crucial role in creating a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone. Just as physical first aid is a standard skill, mental health first aid should also be widely embraced to promote emotional well-being and foster a society where no one feels alone in their struggles.
 
Wellspring Resilience with Gerry Daly
​

Gerry Daly joined us for a two-day workshop on Wellspring Resilience Technique. This is an innovative methos for increasing long-term resilience, defined as the ability to bounce back from setbacks, for educators working in high-stress environments. These sessions focused on helping participants to develop and appetite for resilience in their own lives to identify the specific habits that they are prepared to commit to and incorporate into their day to day lives.
 
Mental Health for Students Book Study:

Our schools are facing a significant number of children and youth suffering from mental health challenges, and many don’t receive that treatment. Teachers can play an important and sometimes lifesaving role for children who are experiencing mental health challenges. Educators from the region joined together using the book, “Supporting Student Mental Health; Essentials for Teachers” by Michael Hass and Amy Ardell to fill in the gaps providing basic information and guidance a teacher needs. It provided time for educators to learn how to recognize, respond to, and sometimes refer for help, the students who show up to school with mental health needs.
 
Emotion Regulation with Kelley Burt:

Emotions are an inherent part of the human experience, coloring our perceptions, decisions, and interactions. However, navigating the vast spectrum of emotions can be challenging, often leading to distress and turmoil. Emotional regulation, the ability to manage and control one's emotions, plays a pivotal role in maintaining mental well-being and cultivating healthy relationships. Below are some strategies to keep in mind with students in building and maintaining emotional regulation strategies:
 
Mindfulness and self-awareness
Cognitive Reframing
Expressive Writing
Physical Activity
Social Support
Time Management and Relaxation Techniques
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
 
Emotional regulation is a skill that can be cultivated through consistent practice and intentional effort. By incorporating mindfulness, cognitive reframing, expressive writing, physical activity, social support, time management, and healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can enhance their ability to navigate complex emotions. Remember, emotional regulation is not about suppressing or avoiding emotions, but rather about understanding, acknowledging, and managing them in a constructive and healthy manner. By embracing these strategies, students and individuals can pave the way for a more balanced, resilient, and fulfilling life.

By: Kelli Forster, CA BOCES Community Schools