Mental health support expanded to more schools

1 hour ago

Federica BedendoNorth East and Cumbria

News image — All schools in Allerdale and Copeland will be included in the scheme from November

PA Media A stock image of three female pupils in a classroom. They are pictured from behind and they are sitting at their desks, wearing school uniforms. Two children are raising their hands. A teacher is pictured at the front of the classroom pointing at an interactive whiteboard. — All schools in Allerdale and Copeland will be included in the scheme from November

Mental health support for children and young people has been expanded to more schools.

Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister said the service, which provides early intervention for children experiencing difficulties, would cover all schools in the former Allerdale and Copeland district council areas from November.

Three teams are already working at 31 schools, with a further two teams being brought in to cover the remaining 38, the Labour MP said.

He said good mental health was "fundamental for learning" and early support was "one of the best investments we can make".

He said: "This is an increasingly challenging time to be growing up, with many young people facing pressures that previous generations simply didn't experience."

The teams, recruited by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), helped develop a whole school approach to emotional wellbeing.

They are also responsible for strengthening links with specialist NHS mental health services to support children when needed.

MacAlister said many schools, where the service already exists, reported improvements in attendance and in mental wellbeing.

He said: "Getting help early, before problems become crises, can make a huge difference to a young person's life."

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