https://www.gov.uk/…/prime-minister-unveils-plans-to-transf…

Mental health is a HUGE issue in schools and education settings across the country. A major new enquiry has been launched by the Government into Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) in education...and not a moment too soon. Recent statistics from YoungMinds indicate that 1 in 10 children aged 5-16 have a clinically diagnosed mental health disorder and 1 in 7 children of the same age has less severe mental health difficulties. The new 'Mental Health and Behaviour in Schools' document (non-statutory guidance) first released in 2014 and updated annually, outlines what schools can do with and for children struggling in this way. Pleasingly, it also looks at resiliency factors and offers tools for building such resilience.

Delivering the annual Charity Commission lecture on 9th January, Prime Minister Theresa May announced a comprehensive package of measures to transform mental health support in our schools, workplaces and communities included mental health first aid training which teaches people how to identify, understand and help a person who may be developing a mental health issue. In the same way as we learn physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid can teach us how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill health.

What do you think about this? A landmark move in the right direction or too-little-too-late? We would love to read your thoughts in the comments below.

Namaste.