Midland expert welcomes cash injection for mental health support in education

A Midland mental health expert has welcomed the announcement of a £17m cash injection to improve mental health and wellbeing support in schools and colleges across the country

Sheila McMahon, CEO of Mind Management For You, who gives regular talks and training to education providers and students, and has spent several years working as a mental health counsellor in a Staffordshire pupil referral unit, says the investment is “great news”.

Lichfield-based Sheila said: “It’s great to hear that £17 million has been announced to improve mental health and wellbeing support in schools. I really hope that this money is used well. 

“One size does not fit all,” Sheila McMahon – mental health expert

“For example, looking at restorative practice learning to manage challenging behaviour rather than rules and punishments. Also exploring how to integrate different teaching styles and approaches as one size doesn’t fit all.

“In my experience of working as a counsellor at a pupil referral unit, I had sessions with pupils and staff and often it was the system that needed changes. This can promote positive changes for the pupil or teacher.”

Sheila, who is also a comedienne and uses comedy to help improve mental health, including in her sell-out live mental health comedy shows, added: “I think collaboration is key here where teachers and pupils work together to decide ways that suit their school on how to improve their mental health and wellbeing.”

The Government’s announcement earlier this week coincided with Mental Health Awareness Week and will see up to 7,800 schools and colleges in England offered funding worth £9.5m to train a senior mental health lead from their staff in the next academic year.

For more on this story visit https://www.www.fenews.co.uk/fevoices/68155-17-million-announced-to-improve-mental-health-and-wellbeing-support-in-schools-and-colleges