News and updates from today's conference focusing on the biggest leadership challenges facing SMHLs, including inter-agency working, embedding mental health and wellbeing into the curriculum, and auditing your provision. This national conference is bringing together Senior Mental Health Leads from across the country to discuss, reflect and learn about the best practice in school’s mental health.
A national crisis for children and adolescents’ mental health
Kelly Hannaghan
Mental Health Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Coach
• the current horizon - looking at the increasing challenges being faced
• the ongoing impact of the pandemic
• what steps are being taken to address the challenges being faced in accessing support
• the role of the senior mental health lead and working collaboratively
Kelly stressed that 'We need that sense of community spirit coming together in times of adversity” “We need to release the stigma about talking about mental health'
she went on to say that 'Developing Well being ambassadors in schools is imperative, Children learn and listen so much more to their peers than they do to adults'
Kelly concluded her talk by saying 'Remember small steps lead to big changes'
Referrals and working with other agencies
Lorraine Petersen OBE
Lead Consultant
Lorraine Petersen Educational Consultancy (SEND)
• what external local and national support is available for you?
• creating partnerships outside of the school
• a guide to the referrals process and common stumbling blocks
Lorraine began her session by asking 'How can we support in school?' Lorraine talked through her top tips as follows 'Having a mental health and well being policy, having a school behaviour policy and 'Making sure all pupils are welcomed into the classroom each day'
Lorraine went on to say 'We are starting to develop a more pastoral, supportive workforce' She also discussed online safety and how this is a really important part of safeguarding.
Lorraine said to remember 'We are the educators, we are not clinicians'
Anxiety, self esteem and depression post pandemic
Sam Garner
Mental Health & Wellbeing Consultant
• the current picture and challenges
• working with the pastoral team to identify pupils who need support
• the impact on learner engagement and techniques for improvement
• addressing issues of exam anxiety
• the importance of student voice
- Sam Garner Slides 0.15 MBPPTXfile
- Sam Garner Biography 0.01 MBDOCXfile
- Sam Garner Slides 0.15 MBPPTXfile