In the Midlands a campaign has been launched to address the increase in adult mental ill health: Every Mind Matters, with a free NHS website being provided, which will be rolled out nationally from October. (https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/mental-health/)
It is great news then, that the government has recognised the importance of the mental health and wellbeing of people, including young people and the increase in the number of students with mental ill health. As one of her final acts as Prime Minister, Theresa May announced today that all new teachers will receive training on how to spot the signs of mental ill health in students as she sees prevention being crucial in addressing the issue. This is something many colleges have been campaigning for as schools have had mental health first aid training provided free for a number of years, and it will be interesting to see what – if any – funding will be provided to colleges to pay for this.
Regardless of whether or not additional money will be made available to colleges, all of our staff (existing and new, corporate and teaching) will be trained in MHFA in August 2019. The aim is to refresh everyone’s knowledge of the signs to be aware of, and how to respond appropriately, ready for the return of the students in September.
Earlier this month, everyone at Gateway Sixth Form College received an invitation to complete the following online CPD: https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/ This provides really clear guidance on how to talk to someone you are worried may be having suicidal thoughts (see, say, signpost) and could just make a difference. Whilst not compulsory training, those who completed it have commented on how useful they have found it as it does make you feel more confident in your ability to say the right thing, at the right time and to provide the right signposting.
I look forward to hearing more about the Government’s promise to roll out Every Mind Matters nationally and to see what that means in reality for students and staff in schools and colleges across the UK.
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