Teign School student Mental Health Ambassadors receive NHS training

Students from Teign School in Kingsteignton, part of Education South West, are marking Mental Health Awareness Week by celebrating the work of their Mental Health Ambassadors. 

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from the 13th to the 19th of May and ‘Movement: Moving for our mental health’ is this year’s theme.  Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week - bringing together the UK to focus on getting good mental health.  Each May, millions of people from every part of society take part.  They include people in schools and further education; private, public and charity sectors; families and individuals. 

Teign School has a range of student Mental Health ambassadors who contribute to the school’s mental health policy.  They have also received Mental Health Support Team training, funded by the NHS. 

The school’s Mental Health Ambassadors have also held a consultation to discuss what steps they should take next to support young people’s mental health based on the student survey responses.  Five hundred students completed a survey on this matter, as well as the school meeting with parents and staff.  The school is now considering working with the Mental Health Support Team to develop their work. 

Lucie Wagner, Headteacher at Teign Academy said:

“At Teign School, we are committed to ensuring that we grow academically successful, aspirational, brilliant, and resilient young adults who are equipped with the qualifications, skills and personal attributes to lead happy and fulfilling lives.  

“We cannot do this without ensuring that young people are supported with their mental health, and I am so proud of the work our student Mental Health Ambassadors have done to develop our strategy in this area.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

“Everyone at the trust is delighted that Teign School is shining a light on the important topic of mental health this Mental Health Awareness Week.  Young people need to know they can talk about anything that’s bothering them and that support is out there if they are struggling.  Going to school is about more than receiving an academic education, it’s about being helped to become a happy and healthy member of