Empowering Educators: Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

On September 18th and 19th, 12 teachers and teaching assistants from North Tyneside schools took an important step to support pupil wellbeing. They completed training to become certified Youth Mental Health First Aiders. Led by Janice Gibson and Alex Frazer, from Education North Tyneside, the course gives staff the tools to help people facing mental health challenges. 

The two-day course, created by Mental Health First Aid England, covers key topics like anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders. It teaches staff how to spot early warning signs and how to offer support or guide students to professional help. 

The training is hands-on and focuses on real-life situations. Participants learn how to approach people in distress, offer calm and comfort, and build trust. 

 

Outline of the course: 

• Spotting early signs: How to notice anxiety, depression, eating problems, and other mental health conditions before they get worse. 

• Understanding risks: How personal, social, and biological factors can affect mental health. 

• Giving support: How to talk with people in distress and help them feel safe. 

• Finding help: How to guide pupils to mental health professionals. 

• Building a safe school culture: How to create a school environment that supports mental health and reduces stigma. 

 

Why This Matters 

More young people are struggling with mental health. Teachers are often the first to notice when something is wrong. With the right training, they can help pupils early and make a big difference. This course gives staff the skills to support students through tough times and prevent long-term problems. 

Mental health is just as important as physical health. By completing this training, these educators are now ready to help create schools where every student feels safe, supported, and heard. 

The latest Mental Health First Aiders are based at BeaconHill School, Burradon Primary, Carville Primary, Hadrian Park Primary, Monkseaton Middle School and New York Primary.  Plus there are now two additional MHFAiders working within Education North Tyneside.  Congratulations to them all!