Teachers 'key' to identify well-being problems early

EDUCATIONAL establishments across Oldham have been urged to tackle mental health issues in young people.

Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership (GMHSCP) called on educational institutions to provide a 'sanctuary' for children and young people.

The body has drafted five key health 'asks' of schools and colleges to set a standard.

GMHSCP chief officer Jon Rouse said: "The challenge is for every school and college to create a framework of support to build up young people's mental health and resilience, focusing on key attributes such as self-esteem and empathy.

"We can help them to identify when a young person may be struggling and how to intervene early and effectively.

"This will improve the lives of thousands of young people and staff and over time will have a profound effect on educational outcomes."

In Greater Manchester, as in the rest of the UK, 75 per cent of all adult mental health problems start by the age of 18 and only 25 per cent of young people are given access to the right support.

The GMHSCP urged schools and colleges to encourage healthy lifestyles and core resilience among young people, work alongside other organisations, proactively support the health and welfare of staff and get involved in the region's work on the health and care of young people.

Greater Manchester clinical lead on child and adolescent mental health services, Dr Sandeep Ranote said: "After parents, teachers and lecturers probably spend more time with young people than anyone else and so are a crucial part of the team.

"They are best placed to understand their needs and help develop individual plans where needed.

"We need to grasp this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."