Mental Health Support to Schools in Brent

Evidence shows that 50 percent of mental health problems start before the age of 14 in the UK, hence it’s crucial to provide support and education to young people at the right time. That’s exactly what we are aiming to achieve through our new mental health programme, taking place in secondary schools in Brent. We are proud to be piloting this scheme.

This initiative is made possible by a generous £10,000 donation from the David Riddell Trust Fund and another £10,000 from Brent Health Matters. With this funding, we will collaborate with several schools in Brent, tailoring our programme to meet the specific needs of each school and its students. We aim to work closely with all institutions to decide which year groups and individuals could benefit most from our support.

The programme will raise awareness about mental health, encourage students to seek support and provide information about helpful services relating to any issue they might have. We understand that each school has a unique culture and set of challenges, so communicating closely with staff to ensure our workshops are relevant and impactful is a top priority.

We are already scheduled to visit St Claudine’s, where we will deliver sessions covering a multitude of mental health topics. After the workshops, we will collaborate with the school to evaluate the impact of the workshops on the students. An evaluation form will also allow students to request support anonymously, providing insights into the needs of the young people and presenting the school with a foundation from which to improve their support to their students moving forward. 

In addition to workshops, each school will receive a signposting leaflet detailing available mental health and other essential services. By providing these resources, we hope to bridge the gap in awareness and ensure that students know where to turn for support.

In operation until at least March 2025, this programme allows plenty of time to make a meaningful impact on the mental health landscape in Brent schools. Our ongoing collaboration with schools will help refine our approach and ensure that we meet the evolving needs of students.

We are committed to fostering an environment where young people feel safe and supported in discussing their mental health. By providing education through workshops and further resources, we hope to reduce stigma, encourage more open conversations about mental wellbeing in schools and contribute to mentally healthy learning and development for the long term.

If you’d like more information or to express an interest for your school to take part, please contact [email protected]