NAMI Ending the Silence is an engaging presentation that helps student, families, and youth-serving staff learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.

Youth & Family Programs Manager
​​Sophia Tierney
[email protected]

Ending the Silence for Students

Ending the Silence for Staff
Ending the Silence for Students is a 50-90 minute presentation designed for middle and high school students that includes warning signs, facts and statistics and how to get help for themselves or a friend. Research has shown that NAMI Ending the Silence for Students is effective in changing middle and high school students’ knowledge and attitudes toward mental health conditions and toward seeking help.

​Topics covered include:

  • What is mental health?
  • Warning signs of mental health conditions, including suicide prevention and awareness
  • The role of stigma in seeking help
  • How to help a friend
  • Resources for support
Ending the Silence for Staff is a 60-90 minute presentation for school staff, educators and administrators, that includes information about warning signs, facts and statistics, how to approach students, and how to work with families.

Topics covered include:

  • What is mental health?
  • Warning signs of mental health conditions in youth, at school and at home
  • The role of stigma in seeking help
  • Starting the conversation with a student who may be struggling
  • How to partner with families
  • Local resources for staff, students, and families
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:

Ending the Silence for Students presentations include two leaders: one who shares an informative presentation, and a young adult with a mental health condition who shares their journey of recovery. Audience members can ask questions and gain understanding of an often-misunderstood topic. Through dialogue, we can help grow the movement to end stigma.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:

Ending the Silence for Staff presentations are given by longtime local educators Les Forster and Mary Gaukel. Les and Mary offer an informative presentation and share their personal experiences with mental health and educational systems, and working with students, their families, and school staff. 
NAMI Ending the Silence (ETS) is available to youth, parents, and youth-serving staff at:

  • Middle and High Schools
  • College Campuses
  • Community Organizations
  • Public Libraries
  • Anywhere that serves youth and families​ in Santa Cruz County

ETS is available in-person and online.

Useful information for Educators

Mobile Emergency Response Team for Youth (MERTY) Protocol for Schools
IEP Tips for Teachers and Parents (This is an 82 page booklet)
Recommendations on Helpful Ways for School Professionals and Families to Talk about Mental Health Related Concerns
We'd like to thank our generous partners at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education for their support of Ending the Silence!