Teenage mental health

The Ofsted 2015 inspection framework has an increased focus on safeguarding, supporting vulnerable learners and meeting individual learner needs. Do tutors know that it’s likely that at least three students in a class of 30 will have a mental health difficulty? Are student services staff clear on how best to support learners with mental health difficulties into learning? Do tutors know how to provide effective support for learners experiencing these difficulties?

A talented straight A-grade student, Edward was set to go to Cambridge University. But in a matter of weeks he succumbed to depression and took his own life. His father, who argued that Edward had been failed by the system despite seeking help, wrote a strongly worded letter to the prime minister calling for a formal review of teenage mental health.

Seeking support can have real benefits in helping students meet their course requirements or manage their workload efficiently. But many do not disclose, often because of a fear of how others will react. How can we create an environment where learners with mental health difficulties feel safe to disclose? How do staff best support learners with mental health difficulties? How equipped are your staff?

‘Supporting students with mental health difficulties’ is one of my most popular training courses. You can download publicity for this course here