Clifton Green Primary School in York has recently joined a growing number of schools in North Yorkshire to receive mental health training through the NHS Wellbeing in Mind project. This initiative, managed by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, aims to bolster the mental health support available to students.
As referrals for mental health support among individuals under 16 continue to rise across England, the Wellbeing in Mind project provides crucial interventions for issues such as low mood, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The program also offers training for school and college staff to address wellbeing concerns and strengthen the connection between educational institutions and external support services.
Headteacher Nicola Adams lauded the initiative, describing it as a “welcome gift” for both teachers and students. She noted that the formal mental health training provided by the program has been a significant enhancement for the school’s staff. “Our staff had not previously received formal training in mental health support and wellbeing. The opportunity to engage with specialists who bring experience and training directly to the classroom has been invaluable,” Adams said.
The Wellbeing in Mind scheme operates across 64 schools in North Yorkshire, focusing on helping young people articulate their feelings and manage difficult times. Nine-year-old student Stanley shared his positive experience with the program: “It is sometimes quite hard to talk to people other than my mum when there’s not as many people around. The first time I took part, it felt good knowing I could share it with someone privately.”
Rob Berry, the Wellbeing in Mind service manager, emphasized the importance of early intervention. “With nearly 20 years in mental health services, I’ve often felt we were arriving too late. This program is excellent because it allows us to reach students at the earliest opportunity,” Berry stated.
The Wellbeing in Mind project represents a proactive approach to mental health support in schools, aiming to address issues before they escalate and to foster a more supportive educational environment.
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