To strengthen wellbeing across our schools, we have introduced Mental Health Leads offering support for staff and students.
The move follows a full day of specialist training delivered by Katie Rivers of Manchester First Aid Training, focusing on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
The initiative aims to build a clearer, more responsive system for identifying and supporting mental health needs across all schools.
Each school will designate its own Mental Health Lead, who will train and support colleagues in recognising early signs of concern and knowing how to respond effectively.
During the training, staff explored a wide range of topics including anxiety, self-harm, mood changes and how to support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Practical strategies that can be implemented immediately within school settings were a major focus, along with the introduction of mental health first aid boxes that will soon be rolled out across all sites.
Caron Cooper, Senior Head of School, welcomed the development, emphasising its importance for both staff and student wellbeing. “From my point of view, I’ve completed trauma‑informed training, and it’s clear how important it is to have Mental Health Leads,” she said.
She added: “This isn’t just about supporting the emotional wellbeing of staff, it’s about our students as well. We need a clear understanding of the issues they face, their mood swings, and how we can best help.”
Cooper explained that the new system will help staff feel more confident in recognising signs of distress, supporting colleagues and ensuring concerns are addressed early.
The introduction forms part of a wider push across the organisation to improve mental health awareness and create consistent, supportive environments for everyone in the school communities.