Feasibility of a secondary school-based Mental Health Intervention: Reprezents’ On The Level

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Abstract Aims There is a need for innovative school-based mental health interventions to promote good mental health, healthy coping strategies and engagement with support services. To that end, Reprezent, a youth advocacy group, with mental health professionals and young people co-developed an online mental health intervention show, On The Level (OTL). This study assessed the acceptability and feasibility of delivering OTL to young people (aged 11–18 years) in 36 secondary schools across London and Essex, UK. Methods The OTL online interactive show was delivered online to participants as part of their school curriculum, in classrooms at timepoint 1 (T1, 50 min). Follow-up data was collected at timepoint 2 (T2, 4–6 weeks after T1) during a 20-minute OTL review show. For interactive OTL elements and data collection participants logged into Slido on their mobile phones, tablet or other online devices available at the school. Measures of acceptability and engagement, mental health and well-being outcomes and intervention evaluation were taken at baseline, T1 and T2. We also assessed the feasibility of implementing the OTL intervention in secondary schools. Results 10,315 participants received the intervention (T1) and 3,369 attended the follow-up session (T2). Rates of acceptability were high among young people and school staff. At T1, 88% found the OTL engaging, and 84% felt more confident they had the tools to help them better manage stress and anxiety. At T2, 66% viewed mental health in a more positive way, and 71% had better understanding of how to maintain good mental health. Rates of engagement with mental health tools and services were good, and significant reduction in levels of stress were found 4–6 weeks after the OTL show (T2). The low mental health and well-being indices reported by the school children at baseline strongly support the need and use for a mental health intervention such as OTL in secondary schools. Conclusion These findings indicated good feasibility and acceptability of OTL intervention, and support the delivery of the OTL mental health intervention at UK-based secondary schools to educate young people about mental health and well-being and give them the necessary tools to support their mental health.

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