Immaculate Conception High School Gets Wellness Bench

Minister of Health, Dr. Christopher Tufton encouraged students at the Immaculate Conception High School in Kingston to see the newly installed Wellness Bench as a symbol of mental wellness and a safe space.

Dr. Tufton was speaking at a Wellness Check In at the school on Monday (March 18) as part of the Ministry’s #DoYourShare mental wellness campaign, in accordance with the School Mental Health Literacy Programme.

The #DoYourShare campaign is organised to promote mental wellness among children and young people islandwide.

In his address, Dr. Tufton told students that while striving for success in different areas of life, they should seek a balance to achieve wholistic and fulsome lifestyle.

“Sometimes, every single one of us, no matter how good we are, get a little confused about life – we wonder whether we are making the right decision, sometimes even feeling little anxious, depressed, and sad because we are unsure. It is okay to be unsure about life sometimes. The question is what do you do about uncertainty, fear or feeling confused? There is always a way. That is what the Wellness Bench symbolises,” he said.

Dr. Tufton further encouraged students to find a safe space where they feel comfortable and without judgement and to reach out to trusted adults or peers with whom to share their thoughts.

“Even high achievers have areas of anxiety, have doubts, have stress, have challenges. It is Okay. The Wellness Bench is a symbol of a safe space, and you can use it but find another space where you are comfortable. I want to challenge you to find a safe person because everybody needs somebody at some time in their lives. Don’t do it alone,” he added.

Minister Tufton was accompanied by State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Hon. Marsha Smith, who also shared her support for the campaign and urged students to rely on each other in times of need.