Schools need to build capacity to cope with mental health problems, says charity

Schools are on the front line when it comes to dealing with mental health problems and need more support to tackle the issue, according to the Anna Freud Centre.

A survey conducted by the charity found that teachers and other school staff see the limited capacity of existing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services as a major barrier to getting children the support they need.

The Anna Freud Centre is calling for a radical improvement to the state of children’s mental health care in England. It campaigning for greater integration of mental health support and services into education, health and social care systems and believes that every school in England should have at least one member of staff trained in mental health issues.

Jaime Smith, head of school engagement at the Anna Freud Centre, said: “We need to support schools to feel confident in knowing the best ways to support children and how to work more effectively in collaboration with mental health specialists. Having at least one trained member of staff will really help in this regard.”