TEACHERS across Denbighshire will be trained in mental health first aid to ensure they are able to react appropriately to pupils experiencing health problems.
The new drive, to improve in-school mental health, is part of an In-Reach to Schools programme
The pilot programme, to cover year six pupils upwards across all schools, will also run in Wrexham.
Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) practitioners from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) will work directly with school staff to strengthen the specialist support that teachers, children and young people receive.
Andrew Gralton, assistant director for Children’s Services at BCUHB, said: "This is a great opportunity for the health and school systems to work together to ensure that we can improve the experience and knowledge on all sides, the child and young person, the school team and the health board."
Teachers will trained so they can aid pupils experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, and self-harm or conduct disorders.
This will ensure pupils receive early help in schools from suitably trained staff, preventing more serious problems occurring later in life.
The two year pilot programme is part of a £1.4m Welsh Government investment.
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day - today (October 10) - is young people and mental health in a changing world.
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