The Right Help at the Right Time

How an online service is tackling mental health problems at an early stage in schools

One in five young people in the UK has a probable mental health disorder. That’s around six students in every classroom.

The lasting impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns, increasing poverty, climate anxiety and the rapid evolution of the digital world are just some issues reshaping young lives. This is reflected by the steady increase in children and young people in contact with mental health services, with requests for support doubling since 2018.

When mental health issues go unsupported, they can become entrenched. Getting young people the right support at the right time is vital and Anna Freud – a mental health charity for children and young people - wants to see a greater focus on early intervention to stop problems escalating.

As the place young people spend most of their time, schools and colleges can help support their students’ wellbeing by creating an environment that nurtures mental health. School staff – who see students most days - can play a crucial role in early intervention. They are not mental health professionals and should never be expected to act as such, but they are well-placed to spot changes in behaviour that might indicate whether targeted support is needed.

Anna Freud has developed an online mental health service focused on making early mental health support as accessible as possible. The Schools and Colleges Early Support Service delivers vital wellbeing support to students experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health difficulties, helping to prevent issues from escalating. Through oneto-one sessions, specialist mental health practitioners use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to help equip young people with practical, guided self-help strategies. Young people are encouraged to explore what they want help with and to agree personalised goals with their practitioner. This approach empowers young people to support their own wellbeing in the long-term by giving them tools that can last a lifetime.

The service also helps schools and colleges build networks of support around their students by providing one-to-one support and resources for staff, parents and carers. This ensures that young people’s wellbeing is nurtured by the trusted adults around them, at school and at home.

Rahi Popat, a pastoral support officer at a school enrolled on the service, said: “Anna Freud’s Schools and Colleges Early Support service has been monumental - I would go as far as to say life-changing - in terms of the impact it’s made on the ground for our students and staff, but also parents and carers”

Find out more about the service: www.annafreud.org/schools-andcolleges-early-support-service

GEORGIA TILLEY PR Manager www.annafreud.org