Mental health at the ‘core’ of Millburn PS efforts

MILLBURN Primary School staff are hoping to give back to the local community by taking part in the ‘Movember challenge’ in aid of charity…

Starting at the beginning of the month (November 1), the male teachers at the school are putting down their razors for 30 days as they complete the annual event which raises awareness of men’s health issues such as cancer and suicide.

Despite many laughs, plenty of craic and a competitive nature to be expected throughout, the school are raising funds for the Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust, with a bucket collection taking place at The Showgrounds later this month.

The idea to take part in ‘Movember’ was by teacher Mr Alastair Handforth – even though it might not have got pass marks at home.

He said: “One day, I was standing having a shave and for a laugh I left my moustache on and I thought ‘how odd would I be with this’?

“I cleaned up and got rid off it after the wife told me off for even contemplating it but alarm bells were ringing in my head.

“One of the things that makes our school unique is that we’ve got so many male role models here and I thought it would be a challenge we as staff could take on.

“It is the first time the school has done the ‘Movember challenge’ but I did mention it a few times – although the boss at home wasn’t too pleased.

“I’ve never grown any substantial facial hair so I’m not sure what to expect, what colour it’s going to be or is it going to be patchy.

“Obviously it is all for a good cause whilst having a laugh at the same time.”

Staff at Millburn Primary School were blown away by the tremendous work the Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust does in the local community, and therefore, they were delighted to raise funds for the mental health service.

Mr Ruairi McClean remarked how the COVID-19 pandemic has left people feeling alone and isolated during unprecedented times but highlighted how promoting positive mental health is “at the core” of what the school tries to do on a daily basis.

“After Ali put the idea forward to the male members of staff, there was a bit of reluctance in some parts but a lot of visualisation of what we would like to do,” he added.

“Therefore, we thought if one of us is doing it then we will all do it together and support a local charity.

“We had a think about that and the Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust was mentioned and it is a charity within our local community.

“It was a Trust that is already doing outstanding work, we are aware that this is a world that can be a tough one to live in and I think it’s been further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic as there’s a high percentage of people who have never felt so alone and isolated.

“We thought it would give us an opportunity to have a bit of fun with it, try and get some community collaboration but also raise money for a worthwhile cause.

“Yasmin was absolutely thrilled to come in and meet us and discuss our plans.

“In fact, I think it’s the first time they’ve ever done anything with a Primary School so we are honoured about that.

“Promoting positive mental health is at the core of everything we do at Millburn PS because we realise for a child to learn they need to feel safe, secure and happy. We have strong relationship with their parents and they know we are there to support them if they ever are in any need or difficulties.

“There is a community ethos as we are reaching out to parents, grandparents to see if they would like to come on board – there are plenty who already have moustaches so they might not be any good to us.”

Sharon Lamont, Principal at Millburn PS, confirmed that female members of staff are looking on with interest at the efforts of their male counterparts and that the school’s values of “respect and equality” match those of what the Trust are trying to achieve.

She further emphasised that “Team Millburn” stretches further than the school premises and that giving back to the local community is at the forefront of their efforts.

“The female members of staff always rise to the challenge so there are a few creative ideas being mulled around,” she continued.

“We want to see what the boys can produce first to see what we have to beat.

“There’s no show without punch here and the girls will be in on it as well.

“We come here together as a team, we talk about Team Millburn and that stretches further than just the school building.

“The school runs on respect and equality and I think those two values tie in well with what the Zachary Geddis Trust are trying to do.

“The girls will be on it, we might look a bit ridiculous as I’m not sure what type of moustaches will be produced but we will be out in solidarity with the rest of our team.

“COVID brought people together as well as isolating people but we have seen huge community spirit in the Millburn estate and the work that was done to keep connections going.

“We are delighted to be working with Coleraine FC to drive this forward, raise awareness and make Coleraine as a connected as town as possible.”

Staff will be present at the home fixture against Larne on Friday, November 19 and supporters are kindly asked to donate as much money as they can in what has been described as “a true community collaboration” as many former Millburn pupils have represented the Bannsiders throughout the years.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Coleraine Football Club are going to facilitate a collection at their home fixture against Larne,” Mr McClean concluded.

“This is true community collaboration, and we as a school, have very strong links with Coleraine FC as the first-team has several members who have come through Millburn.

“The bucket collection will show the community supporting their own and making sure that services are there for people if and when they need them as nobody knows what’s around the corner.

“Sport at Millburn PS is huge and one of the key strategies in promoting mental health is regular exercise and we have a PE timetable here which ensures children are getting regular exercise and physical development.

“There’s always a great feeling – not just the physical aspect – but the mental and social aspect of meeting people, working together, sharing laughs and jokes.

“We kindly ask people who are in a position to donate to do so as it’s a very worthy cause and whether it’s £1, £2 or £5, this will all make a huge different to people in need in our community.

“Supporters are likely to see Millburn staff – with some or maybe not so impressive moustaches – with buckets and any donations will be greatly appreciated.”