Government unveils teacher mental health training plans

The government is to provide £200,000 of funding to train 3,000 teachers in all English secondary schools as "youth mental health first aid champions" over the next three years. It has also committed to extend the scheme to primary schools before the end of this parliament.

The training will be delivered by social enterprise Mental Health First Aid, which will provide practical advice to teachers and other school staff on how to recognise issues including depression, anxiety, self-harm and eating disorders.

The government hopes first aid champions will share their knowledge with colleagues and across the community to raise awareness of mental health problems and reduce stigma.

It follows research earlier this year by teachers union NASUWT, found that 98 per cent of teachers had come into contact with pupils who were experiencing mental health issues, but only 46 per cent reported receiving training on the issue.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "Teachers already provide outstanding pastoral care and support for their pupils, but many have said that they would appreciate more training on how to understand and respond to mental health issues.

"We know that identifying symptoms of mental illness early can help young people on the road to recovery. This training will mean more children receive the timely and sensitive support they need to stay well.

"One in 10 school-aged children will have a mental health condition at any time, with half of all mental health conditions beginning before the age of 14, making early intervention and support vital."

In last week's Queen's Speech, the government pledged to improve mental health services and protect those living with mental health problems from unfair treatment and discrimination.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Theresa May said children would have access to local mental health support by 2021 as part of a major review of child and adolescent mental health services.