STABIEL

STABIEL – A School Project for Mental Health

Mental illnesses are difficult – for the person affected and for society.
For young people and those around them, mental illnesses can be very stressful. They can have long-lasting effects on feelings, friendships, learning, and health. Schools also notice these effects.

To help and reduce the impact of mental illnesses, five partners in Bielefeld joined together. This is how the school project STABIEL – Help Against Exclusion in Bielefeld was created.

The STABIEL program has six parts. Students learn:

• Mental illnesses are common and normal health problems.

• Mental illnesses are often not openly discussed in society, and this can lead to exclusion.

The project offers more than just information:

• People with mental illnesses share their life experiences.

• Students learn how to deal with mental illnesses in a good way.

• Compassion and acceptance are promoted.

• Fear or prejudice against affected people is reduced.

• Students learn how to take care of themselves and feel good inside.

• Tips for handling stress and pressure are shared.

The program originally comes from Canada and has been adapted for Bielefeld.
It can be run by teachers, school social workers, or other school staff.
You do not need to be an expert in mental health to carry out the program.

The program can be delivered:

• weekly

• in blocks

• on project days

Target group: Students in grades 8 to 10, but older students can also participate.
The project was accompanied and evaluated by the University of Bielefeld.

At a glance:

• STABIEL School Program for Mental Health

• Target group: Grades 8–10 (older students also possible)

• Delivered by: Teachers or school social workers

• 6 modules – 8 lessons, flexible: Regular lessons, project days, and more

• Materials are provided

• Free half-day training for teachers or staff

• On request: in-school training or consultation

STABIEL is a cooperation project of:

• Andreas Mohn Foundation

• University of Bielefeld – Faculty of Educational Science

• Office for Social Planning and Office for Schools – Regional School Counseling Bielefeld

• VPE – Association of People with Psychiatric Experience, Bielefeld e.V.