Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Unique partnership to improve mental health in schools
More than 70 schools have signed up to the development programme, which is a partnership between Leeds Beckett University, Milton Keynes Council and social enterprise Minds Ahead.
The first of its kind in the country, the project will see schools working with the university’s Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools.
Those taking part will set up effective whole-school approaches, with mental health and wellbeing lead governors using the centre’s specialist online support and assessment programmes.
Professor Damien Page, Dean of the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett, said: “As one of the country’s best performing providers of teacher education, we’re committed to working with schools nationwide to improve outcomes for children.
“This new partnership - the first of its kind - will establish a framework of support and provide much-needed expertise in an area that is becoming an increasing concern in the country’s schools.”
Speaking about Minds Ahead’s work with schools across the country, founder and CEO Dean Johnstone said: “From our previous work with schools, it was clear that there was little structured guidance and support regarding mental health.”
Milton Keynes Council is leading the project. Zoe Nolan, Councillor for Children and Families said: “I am really excited about this training which so many of our schools are going to do.
“Young people today are under so much more pressure. If schools can help young people more in this area, it will really make a difference.
“The innovative collaboration between Milton Keynes Council, the university’s Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools and Minds Ahead will enable all those involved to share best practice and make sure that schools in Milton Keynes have the expertise to support children with mental health issues.”