PM: All new teachers to get mental health training
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All new teachers are to receive mental health awareness training under proposals unveiled by outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May.
According to Mrs May, the move will ensure that all school staff will have “the confidence and skills to identify mental health issues before they become critical”.
In addition, updated statutory guidance will highlight how schools must act in order to protect children’s mental wellbeing.
While details of the pledges and funding are yet to be revealed, Mrs May said greater attention needs to be given towards preventing mental illness.
“Too many of us have seen first-hand the devastating consequences of mental illness, which is why tackling this burning injustice has always been a personal priority for me,” she said.
“It’s time to rethink how we tackle this issue, which is why I believe the next great revolution in mental health should be in prevention.”
Her announcement included a pledge for a range of teacher training materials that will help support staff in delivering enhanced mental health education in schools.
The latest plans from Mrs May come in addition to the long-term plan from the NHS.
A new awareness campaign, titled Every Mind Matters, will launch in October this year, with parents able to access advice services on issues such as bullying, stress and self-harm from 2020.
Paul Farmer, the chief executive of the mental health charity Mind, welcomed the proposals and said providing support at the earliest opportunity is key.
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