One of the first projects accomplished by the VYMHC was a “Calm Room” introduced to Mount Douglas Secondary School. As a team of youth, we all noted the lack of spaces in schools that would allow students who may be struggling to regain their composure and take a few moments to themselves. We found that, too often, students were retreating to places like the washroom in order to escape whatever may be overwhelming them. The toilet is not an appropriate venue when a student may need help, so the idea for a Calm Room was born. 

 

The Mount Doug Calm Room is an empty counsellors office turned into a private, safe space for students who may be struggling with their mental health while at school. It offers sound proof walls, mental health/mindfulness pamphlets and books, fidget toys, comfy seating, colouring and more. The room is designed as a space for a student to retreat to when they need to calm down. It is a safe, private location to cry, breathe, move or whatever a student might need to do in the moment. Sign in and out is confidential, so students know they are free to access the room privately. 

 

This is a pilot project that has been so welcomed by Mount Doug school. We are hoping that this one Calm Room can serve as a model that can be implemented in other schools around Victoria and beyond. In the coming future, we will be working with other local schools to explore the possibility of extending Calm Rooms to other students. We are very excited to see where this project goes.