The Importance of Mental Health in Schools and Colleges
Mental health and wellbeing in schools and colleges was an increasingly vital part of the educational setting pre-pandemic. We started to work with hundreds of schools to implement whole school approaches to both staff and student mental health and wellbeing, as educational leaders reported the widespread impact on teaching and learning. All this was before Covid, which has left a legacy of a mental health pandemic. The Guardian reported last year that ‘schools and teachers are “buckling under the strain” of supporting the fast-growing number of schoolchildren developing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, experts say. Despite being the people pupils turn to most often when in distress, teachers are hampered in their desire to help by the profession’s widespread lack of training in tackling mental ill-health.’
Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better and use their strengths to stay well.
What is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA England) Training?
One way to better support the mental health needs of students and colleagues is by undertaking
Mental Health First Aid training. Specifically, MHFA England offers both youth and adult courses that
are designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to identify and
respond to mental health issues.
Why Should You Undertake MHFA Training?
So, why should you do it? Firstly, it is important to recognise that mental health issues can affect
anyone, regardless of age or background. By undertaking MHFA training, you'll be better equipped to recognise the signs of common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression and provide appropriate support and signposting to relevant services.
In 2022, 18.0% of children aged 7 to 16 years and 22.0% of young people aged 17 to 24 years had a probable mental disorder (NHS, Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2022)
Benefits of MHFA Training
In addition to this, MHFA training provides an opportunity to learn more about mental health and
wellbeing, and how to promote good mental health practices within your setting. This can include
things like promoting open and honest conversations around mental health, creating a supportive
and inclusive environment, and providing practical resources and tools for those who may be
struggling.
The course is designed to give delegates:
A deeper understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect people’s wellbeing, including their own.
Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgmental listening
Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to appropriate support
Brightcore Consultancy: Delivering MHFA Training for Schools and Colleges
At Brightcore Consultancy, we are proud to offer a range of Mental Health First Aid training courses,
including both youth and adult training. Our courses are delivered by experienced trainers and are
designed to provide practical and relevant support to those working in schools and colleges. Courses
take 2 days to complete, and involve a combination of group work, individual study, and practical
exercises. To find out more about our courses, visit our webpage here.
Investing in Mental Health Support
Investing in MHFA training is a valuable way to support the mental health needs of students and
colleagues. By undertaking training, you'll gain new skills and knowledge that can benefit you both personally and professionally. If you're interested in learning more about MHFA training or our services at Brightcore Consultancy, please don't hesitate to get in touch @ connect@brightcoreconsultancy.com or submit your query here.
You can view course dates and book on to our upcoming ‘open’ courses which are delivered live-online here.
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