A new tool for teachers and school staff to learn more about mental health is to be made available to all staff.

The Mental Health Foundation Scotland, Digital Bricks Learning and Children’s Health Scotland have created the package that aims to  help staff better understand mental health issues and be able to support children.

It includes learning more about factors influencing mental health and wellbeing, prevention-based approaches in schools and tips on how to end mental health stigma and discrimination.

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It is open to all school staff in primary, secondary and special schools.

Shirley-Anne Somerville,  Education Secretary, said: “Children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing is of vital importance and this resource is a significant addition to the suite of resources that school staff can access.

Glasgow Times: Shirley-Anne Somerville. Minister for Higher Education

“It will provide essential learning and knowledge on mental health and wellbeing that schools can adopt and embed across all aspects of the school environment.

Stephen McCabe, COSLA spokesperson for Children and Young People, said:

“The mental health and wellbeing of our children and young people must be a priority as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

Glasgow Times:

“Ensuring those working with young people, in all capacities, have access to resources that develop their understanding of, and equip them to appropriately support mental health would be crucial; I welcome this comprehensive resource providing training and information for all school staff.”