Teaching about mental health in secondary schools

We know that some young people with mental health issues do not seek any external help, and sometimes their friends are aware and they also do not bring this to the attention of adults. Sadly I have been involved in supporting schools when young people have taken their own life.

Teaching young people about how to look after their own mental health, learning about mental health issues, and when to seek help with their own or a friends mental health issues, could result in better outcomes for children and young people, both in relation to their physical and psychologically health, as well as in relation to their academic performance.

I am delighted to invite you to training by the PSHE association on their mental health teaching materials. I am hoping that schools will make use of this opportunity to gain more confidence in talking with young people about mental health issues, and that they will introduce this teaching programme into their curriculum.

Dr Bianca Finger-Berry