One of world’s largest mental health trials launches across schools in England to support mental health and wellbeing
To mark the start of Mental Health Week, Education Secretary Damian Hinds announced the nationwide scheme
ONE of the largest mental health trials in the world has been launched across England’s schools.
Up to 370 will be involved to boost evidence about what works to support mental health and wellbeing.
Education Secretary Damian Hinds announced the trial to mark the start of Mental Health Week today.
Hundreds of children and young people will learn how to use methods from mindfulness to breathing exercises.
They will be used alongside pupil sessions with mental health experts. The study will run until 2021.
Mr Hinds said: "As a society, we are much more open about our mental health than ever before, but the modern world has brought new pressures for children, while potentially making others worse.
TRIALS WILL TEST FIVE DIFFERENT APPROACHES
"Schools and teachers don't have all the answers, nor could they, but we know they can play a special role which is why we have launched one of the biggest mental health trials in schools.
"These trials are key to improving our understanding of how practical, simple advice can help young people cope with the pressures they face.
"To support this, we're introducing compulsory health education in all schools, within which children will start to be introduced gradually to issues around mental health, wellbeing and happiness right from the start of primary school."
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The trials will test five different approaches, including two focused on increasing awareness in secondary schools through short information sessions either led by a specialist instructor or by trained teachers.
Three approaches in primary and secondary schools will focus on lighter-touch approaches such as exercises drawn from mindfulness practice, breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques and recognising the importance of support networks including among their own peers.
An estimated half of all children in care meet the criteria for a possible mental health disorder, compared to one in 10 children outside the care system.
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