POPULATION
Depression awareness curriculum for ages 12 and older, web-based train-the-trainer, and supplemental materials to localize. Bundled with a framework for referral and a model to increase counseling resources within the school.
FOCUS
Breaking stigma and increasing awareness; enhancing coping skills and knowledge; suicide prevention and training teachers as school counselors.
OVERVIEW
You can get involved by introducing the Wellness in a Box toolkit to school or youth group leaders. It provides measurable outcomes and has been implemented in the USA, Puerto Rico, India and Nigeria. The primary resource is the Boston Children's Hospital ‘Break Free From Depression’ (BFFD) curriculum and workshop materials with web based training. RAGMHI volunteers offer guidance for localizing the supplemental slides and handouts, improving the protocol for referral, and increasing the number of counselors available to the community. If desired, they can also help with grant writing.
BENEFITS
- Breaks stigma by showing treatment is available and some cases are preventable
- Raises awareness with measureable improvements in Knowledge, Negative Attitude,
and Confidence in Help-seeking
- Increases access to earlier treatment by communicating the local Protocol for Referral
COST
None
TOOLKIT CONTENTS
- Seminar slides with preparation notes and answers to common questions
- Example ‘Protocol for Referral’ form to edit with local details
- Web based training suitable for peer leaders, adults, and faculty. Completing the training allows all materials to be downloaded, including the BFFD manual, surveys, slide sets, handouts, documentary, and outcomes calculator. The link is http://www.BreakFreeFromDepression.org
- Rotary Action Group assistance with localizing slides, handouts and pre – post surveys
CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION
A key element of ‘Wellness in a Box’ is the evidence-based online curriculum titled, ‘Break Free From Depression’, which was developed by Boston Children’s Hospital with partial funding by the Sidney Swensrud Foundation. See the BreakFreeFromDepression.org website or email Bob Anthony (rwa1645@gmail.com).