Classroom help for the mentally ill

SCHOOLCHILDREN are to get mental health support in a £310million scheme to combat self-harm and suicidal feelings.

A teacher from each school and college will be trained to spot problems, at a cost of £95million.

Another £215million has been set aside to create mental health support teams of teachers and nurses over the next five years, offering talking therapies to combat issues such as eating disorders.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Around half of all mental illness starts before the age of 14. So it’s vital children get support as soon as they need it – in the classroom.”