Teenage student in a school counselling session

Council-funded mental health support succeeds

East Devon District Council is celebrating the success of its year-long programme of mental health support for the area’s school children.

Following recommendations from the police, among other agencies, that mental health support would be welcomed in the area, the council selected Axminster to benefit from a package of support. This comes as reports suggested that the mental health and wellbeing of young people was substantially impacted following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the support that was on offer to pupils include:

  • One to one counselling
  • Training to become mental health ambassadors
  • Workshops for parents
  • Face to face and virtual support hubs
  • Teaching assistant training
Quote from East Devon District Council

Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Homes and Communities at East Devon District Council, Cllr Dan Ledger, said:

“Our health directly influences our quality of life and that of our families and the communities around us. We know that many people are still struggling after the Covid pandemic and the subsequent cost-of-living crisis, so we are pleased to have funded some support for Axminster school students and their parents and carers. As good mental health is so important for everyone’s wellbeing, we are very grateful to the many local voluntary and community groups, charities and social enterprise organisations working hard to support our communities across East Devon.”

Some of the positive outcomes that were reported by parents included children having a better understanding of mental health, better sleeping, more confidence, and improved physical health. Parents also reported that they themselves were more confident in raising their children thanks to the support that was offered through the collaboration between the council and a number of third sector groups.

Funding for the scheme came from the government’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund, which was originally designed to support local public health projects – however the council decided to move its attention away from the impacts of the pandemic, and onto rebuilding communities.

 

Image credit: iStock

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