Project

Region	National coverage
Title of the Programme	Health
Title of the Project	Primary prevention of mental disorders in children during young adolescence
Number of the Project	ZD-ZDOVA1-011
Project Promoter	Palacky University of Olomouc
Project Partner from Donor State	N/A
Czech Partner	Company Helping hands, public service
Status	Estimated project duration: 03/2021 – 01/2024
More Information	Target group: Pupils of 7th and 8th grades, teachers, parents Web pages: https://www.pdf.upol.cz/en/primarni-prevence-dusevnich-poruch-u-deti-v-obdobi-rane-adolescence/ https://www.facebook.com/PredDuP https://www.instagram.com/predup2021/
Total Eligible Costs	558 388 EUR
Grant	558 388 EUR

Project description:

Many mental illnesses develop from an young adolescence, and it is essential that children have enough relevant information about mental disorders during this period, so that they can prevent themselves as best as possible and that they develop the competence to seek help when necessary. Research show that more than 90 % of completed adolescent suicides and 80 % of suicide attempts had at least one mental illness (Fleischman, Barondess, 2004, etc.). These alarming facts point to the need for systemic prevention of children's mental disorders, both in the level of preventive work with children and the involvement of parents and teachers.

The main aim of the project organized in cooperation with the Faculty of Education UPOL and Company Helping hands, is to teach 7th - 8th grade primary school pupils to prevent the development of mental disorders, to recognize their symptoms and to be able to react in an adequate way. The starting point will be research in a given sample of pupils mapping awareness of mental disorders, attitudes towards mental health and competence to deal with risky situations. The results will be used to create a methodology for the prevention program.

To strengthen the effectiveness of the program, teachers of the participating classes will also be trained through workshops and supervision. They will learn to prevent mental disorders in themselves and children, they will be able to recognize the most common symptoms of mental disorders and offer first aid. Teachers will be provided with a methodology and worksheets to be able to continue the preventive work and develop the issues addressed.

The key target group will also be parents of children. Organized seminars will provide them with program information, how to support the child in its quest for well-being, respond adequately to symptoms of mental disorder and possibilities of professional help. The project implementation also includes providing information to public and professionals.