Mental health cash support for schools

TEACHERS and pupils alike are to receive help with their mental health in a bid to limit any damage caused by the pandemic.

Grants worth more than £750,000 have been announced for groups including the Anti-bullying Alliance and theanne Franktrust, while a £95,000 pilot project will focus on teachers and other leaders by providing online peer support.

More than £9million has already been invested in mental health charities in an effort to reduce the wider harm caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

A training module for teachers will also be published to help them deliver the new Relationships, Sex and Health Education curriculum, which makes mental health a compulsory part of education. A “wellbeing charter” for the sector will see the Government commit to regularly checking on staff.

Paul Farmer, of the mental health charity Mind, said: “We cannot underestimate the long-term effects of this pandemic, especially on the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

“As the Government asks schools to begin to open to more children, it is crucial that we all come together to support teachers and pupils, not just now but for the years to come.”

Vicky Ford, the minister for children and families, said: “These new resources, created with charities and health experts, will encourage confident conversations between friends, colleagues, pupils and their teachers.”

Nadine Dorries, the minister for mental health, added: “We’re determined to equip teachers and pupils with the tools to look after their wellbeing.”