Peer Support and Mental Health Awareness Workbook – Printable SEL Activities and Lessons for Upper Primary Students

The Skills for Being There Workbook is a free, engaging printable resource that teaches children and teenagers how to support a friend with mental health difficulties. Created by KidSMART and CMHA Calgary, this workbook equips young people with practical tools to recognise when a peer is struggling, start caring conversations, and understand the importance of boundaries, empathy, and seeking adult help when needed.

Designed for upper primary and secondary students, the workbook blends social-emotional learning (SEL), mental health education, and values-led discussion through a range of interactive lessons and activities.

Topics covered include:

• What is mental health and how to spot warning signs of distress

• How to support a friend using the 5 “Skills for Being There”:

  1. Check-In – Notice changes and ask how they are

  2. Listen Up – Offer time and attention without judgement

  3. Gather Ideas – Support problem-solving without giving advice

  4. Accept Their Choices – Respect autonomy

  5. Show Support – Continue checking in or help find support

• Understanding ethics, confidentiality, and when to involve a trusted adult

• Setting personal boundaries and looking after your own mental health

Creative and interactive activities include:

• “Stick Figure” emotional awareness drawing

• Spotting warning signs in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour

• “Cross the Line” empathy-building activity

• “Traffic Lights” decision-making for safe vs unsafe situations

• Role-play scenarios for practising support

• Conversation starter bubble prompts

• Advice column writing task

• Self-care reflection and planning pages

Perfect for use in:

• Classrooms, PSHE lessons, and student leadership programmes

• Youth groups, peer mentoring, and mental health awareness events

• SEND and inclusion work, early help, and social care settings

• Small group or 1:1 sessions in schools, therapy, or wellbeing support

This printable mental health resource for children and teens empowers students to look out for each other, build communication skills, and develop a healthy sense of empathy and responsibility—while understanding their own limits and when to ask for help.

DOWNLOAD OF PEER SUPPORT AND MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WORKBOOK – PRINTABLE SEL ACTIVITIES AND LESSONS FOR UPPER PRIMARY STUDENTS