Teachers need training to spot signs of mental illness
Neil Puffett
Monday, July 6, 2009
Teachers and other public sector workers should be trained in spotting early signs of mental ill health in children, a coalition of health groups has said.
A report by the Future Vision Coalition, A Future Vision for Mental Health, sets out an agenda for mental health services that spans across public services and includes a number of recommendations relating to children.
The report recommends access to psychological therapies should be rolled out nationally and extended to cover children, the elderly, prisoners and those with long-term health problems.
Meanwhile it suggests that mental health services need to work with schools, care homes and the armed forces to promote good mental health among at-risk individuals.
Angela Greatley, chief executive at the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, said: "Too little is done to promote good mental health in schools, workplaces and communities.
"Our vision sets out a practical 10-year agenda to achieve better mental health for all and for better life chances for the one in four of us who will experience mental ill health in our lives."
The Future Vision Coalition membership includes The NHS Confederation Mental Health Network, the Association of Directors of Children's Services, Mind, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
