Parents have been given an insight into the pertinent subject of mental health first aid as part of a series of innovative seminars being held by Solihull School.
The seminars, which take place across the school’s 50-acre site, are aimed at giving parents information and advice to offer support to their children surrounding issues which affect both school and everyday life.
The first seminar of the year focussed on mental health first aid and was led by Louise Rooney, head of training at Warwick charity Safeline.
The workshop featured issues such as the meaning of ‘mental health’, theories of mental wellbeing, the balance between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ stress and spotting the signs of worrying mental health issues. More than 100 parents attended the event.
David Lloyd, Solihull School headmaster, said: “The importance of improving the mental and emotional health and wellbeing of young people has been a strong theme of successive government policies.
We are hoping this session will equip parents with the tools they need to help their children – David Lloyd, Solihull School headmaster
“We were delighted Louise could lead our mental health seminar to help our parents better understand the complex nature of mental health. We are hoping this session will equip parents with the tools they need to help their children.”
With Prime Minister Theresa May recently unveiling new measures to tackle mental health issues in children, the seminar at Solihull School builds upon its already extensive work in this area.
The school has 48 members of staff taking part in a mental health first aid course, which covers how to identify and help a young person affected by a mental health issue, while it has also appointed a full-time head of wellbeing.
There are a number of other parent seminars being hosted by the school over the coming months, including E-Safety on February 2, Study Skills on March 3, Self-Esteem and Resilience on April 26 and an Introduction to Growth Mindset and Wellbeing on 16th May.
