Understanding Minds, a specialist workplace mental health and suicide prevention training provider, is offering free wellbeing workshops to local schools for every training session booked by a Milton Keynes business.
The initiative comes at a critical time. NHS England figures show that in 2024, the number of children and young people admitted to hospital for self-harm in Milton Keynes rose, despite a drop in cases nationally.
“Half of all mental health problems are established by the age of 14, and three-quarters by 241,” says Isobel Shea, Consultant Trainer at Understanding Minds. “Yet, alarmingly, 70% of children and young people experiencing mental health problems aren’t getting the help they need2. That’s why early education is so important. When businesses train with us, they’re not just supporting their staff and proven benefits to their organisation, they’re also investing in the emotional wellbeing of the next generation and their community.”
The free workshops help children to have a better understanding of how our mental health is just as important as our physical health. As well as fun activities which promote positive mental health, the children learn how to spot the signs of mental health illness and, crucially, how to talk about their mental health.
“Starting these conversations early makes a huge difference,” Isobel explains. “Learning about mental health shouldn’t be scary or complicated. By helping children understand their emotions and how to cope with challenges, the more confident and better equipped they will be to face life’s ups and downs. The more we can teach young people how to build resilience, the more we can help them flourish in life.”
Bookings now open for workplace mental health training and school workshops
- Schools: Register your interest for the new academic year’s free wellbeing workshops by emailing info@understandingminds.co.uk.
- Businesses: Every accredited mental health or suicide prevention training course you book funds a free children’s workshop in Milton Keynes. Support your team’s wellbeing and your community by contacting info@understandingminds.co.uk today, or visiting www.understandingminds.co.uk
References
- Kessler RC, Berglund P, Demler O, Jin R, Merikangas KR, Walters EE. (2005). Lifetime Prevalence and Age-of-Onset Distributions of DSM-IV Disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62 (6) pp. 593-602. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.593.
- Green,H., Mcginnity, A., Meltzer, Ford, T., Goodman,R. 2005 Mental Health of Children and Young People in Great Britain: 2004. Office for National Statistics.
