Applying First Aid to Youth Mental Health

Sixteen members of staff completed a Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course and are now certified Youth Mental Health First Aiders.  Teachers and support staff undertook a comprehensive programme focusing on young people’s mental health: introducing the risk factors and warning signs of mental health in adolescents and teaching participants how to respond appropriately.

The pioneering programme, which is internationally recognised in 23 countries, has been endorsed at the highest level with First Lady Michelle Obama speaking in March about how the course “really gives you the skills you need to identify and ultimately help – someone in need.”  Michelle Obama commented that we need to refocus our efforts on mental health, breaking the silence for those who suffer from these problems and encouraging people to talk openly about mental health.

Youth MHFA helps introduce a five step action plan to help young people get the care needed in their community whilst also supporting them emotionally.  The course also looks at how to recognise the signs and symptoms of different types of mental health problems including depression, anxiety and suicide.

The training programme was led by BRGS Pastoral Manager Siobhan Robinson and the feedback was excellent, resulting in the School putting on a further course for colleagues during the summer term.  One person who participated in the course commented:  “I believe Youth MHFA has provided me with extra tools to be able to better understand and support young people – something so valuable in my line of work.”  Another colleague believed that it had changed their “outlook and perception of mental health and well-being in others” raising confidence to deal with issues such as self-harm, depression and anxiety.

Headmaster Alan Porteous said: “Our aim is for students to ‘enjoy and achieve’ whilst at school.  To ensure that students do not have any barriers to their learning we need to support them holistically in providing top-quality pastoral care and this excellent course effectively raises awareness and understanding of mental health issues.”

Youth MHFA Instructor and Pastoral Manager Siobhan Robinson added: “Being able to recognise and help a young person with mental ill health is so important, and raising awareness around mental health issues will reduce the stigma associated with them.  This course gives people the tools to support and comfort struggling young people and could help to save a young person’s life, prevent problems from becoming worse and promotes good recovery."

Dawn Johnson, Chairperson for Lauren's Place commented: "We are really impressed with BRGS's approach to supporting their staff with this course.  It is an invaluable resource and we would advocate that all senior schools should have this available to their staff, to help them support the young people that they work with.  Anyone from the age of 14 can access the course and at present there are funded courses running at CSNW in Accrington.  For more details contact 01254 460080."

For further information about Youth MHFA please visit www.mhfaengland.org or email info@mhfaengland.org