Early support for educators and students

Delivered by teachers, backed by experts

Mental health challenges affect one in six school-aged children. With half of all mental ill health beginning before age 15, schools play a vital role in early support. We are proud to launch two new programmes - one for teaching staff and one for children - which aim to help young people to build emotional resilience and coping skills, before distress escalates into crisis.

We believe in creating safe environments where children and educators feel equipped, supported, and empowered.

Why education matters

Earlier this year, the Department for Education updated the UK’s Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) guidance to include new content on suicide prevention for secondary pupils. This marks a significant shift in how schools approach mental health - and we’re proud to be part of that change.

“I wish my teachers had understood me better. I do wonder whether having someone at school might have helped me understand myself.” - Kai

There is an urgent need for education that helps children feel seen, understood, and supported. Our courses are designed to do just that, by providing early intervention that can help prevent emotional crisis and promote long-term wellbeing.

To book either course or find out more, contact Lightbulb@stah.org or telephone 01604 614300.

Mental Health support skills for educators

Programme for teaching staff (2-day course)

This immersive, 2-day course helps educators to support children experiencing early warning signs of mental health distress. The programme has been designed to help educators recognise when a child may be struggling emotionally, and empower them to respond with confidence and compassion, equipped with the tools they need to best support the child.

Delivered by specialist qualified teachers working in complex mental health, the course is for education staff in all settings. It has been developed with teachers, clinicians and most importantly, children and adolescents managing a complex mental health diagnosis.

Skilful Self (Primary School) and Adaptive Strategies (Adolescents)

Programme for children (8-week small group course to support emotional wellbeing)

Many children are struggling with their mental health and face long waits for a CAMHS assessment, often up to 18 months. During this time, difficulties can worsen, affecting attendance, learning and behaviour in school.

Using our understanding of education, psychology and curriculum design, we have developed a structured course, for delivery in schools by our specialist teachers.

The programme has been designed to help children and young people build essential skills for understanding and managing their emotions - especially during times when school feels overwhelming or difficult to navigate. The course aims to support students’ emotional resilience, distress tolerance, decision making and focus skills.

Each group meets weekly for 45–60 minutes over eight weeks, with up to 10 students participating in interactive activities and guided discussions. Sessions are led by specialist teachers experienced in supporting children with complex mental health needs.

What the programme covers

Each week focuses on a different theme, including:

• Building trust and group connection
• Understanding different states of mind
• Using focus activities to calm and concentrate
• Emotional regulation strategies
• Distress tolerance techniques
• Emotional acceptance and self-awareness
• Coping skills for everyday challenges
• Communication and relationship-building

Activities are designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, helping students develop practical tools they can use both in and out of school. These tools will help children to build the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and hope.

Courses with impact

Children who take part in our courses often show:

• Greater confidence in expressing their feelings
• Improved friendships and social interactions
• Better ability to calm down when upset
• More resilience when facing challenges or setbacks

These groups offer early support for children who may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, difficulty concentrating, or disruptive behaviour -  signs that can sometimes be misunderstood or overlooked. The skills taught in these sessions are known to help reduce emotional distress and build protective factors that support long-term wellbeing.

We encourage parents to support their child in practising these skills at home. If you have any questions or concerns, our facilitators are here to help.

To book either course or find out more, contact Lightbulb@stah.org or telephone 01604 614300.

The LightBulb Mental Wellness Programme

These two courses align with our wider LightBulb mission to build a whole-school culture of mental wellness. While LightBulb provides a framework and certification, our courses offer deeper, targeted support for staff and students. For more information click here.