Training trainee teachers to support mental health

London Academy and the AIM Alliance are very excited to be participating on a pilot offered by Place2Be. As a trainee teacher there is so much to balance, and historically it may be true to say mental health and wellbeing was not ‘taught’. In today’s society, and as highlighted during World Mental Health Day on the 10th October, there are so many techniques that can help and support people; simply being aware and supportive can make such a difference.

The pilot is developed for trainee teachers, to deliver an understanding of mental health and wellbeing that will help them support their students, colleagues and themselves. The Programme is provided online and delivers four key components:

  1. Understanding Mental Health and Wellbeing
  2. Nature Vs Nurture
  3. How can I help?
  4. Whole School approach

The programme also offers time to reflect on how, as a teacher, you build support strategies and networks to enable you to flourish over time and to develop a career in what can be a challenging environment. 

London Academy have been longstanding advocates of the importance of mental health for its students and staff, working in partnership with Place2Be for many years. As lead school within the AIM Alliance there is a strong commitment to ensuring mental health and wellbeing is promoted and is very much a whole school approach.  The ‘Mental Health Ambassadors course’  run last year helped deliver a platform for a whole school approach.