To support your staff with mental health first aid training, get in contact with our team here to discuss your needs.

Are Your Boarding, Pastoral, and Teaching Staff Empowered to Support Student Mental Health Needs?

In boarding schools, where young people spend a significant portion of their lives away from home, the role of pastoral and boarding staff is more critical than ever when it comes to recognising and supporting mental health needs. These staff members, including house parents, matrons, librarians, catering staff, and other non-teaching staff, form the backbone of a nurturing environment and can often act as the first line of support for students. However, while they spend the most time with students and are often the first to notice changes in behaviour or mood, many lack the specialised training or teaching experience to confidently address mental health concerns and support mental health needs. This gap can leave potential needs unmet and leave issues unnoticed until they escalate into a crisis.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid course, delivered by Learning 3D and accredited by Mental Health First Aid England, is designed to fill this gap. It equips your boarding, pastoral and teaching staff with the essential skills needed to recognise early signs of mental health challenges, respond appropriately, and prevent potential crises. By investing in the training of your staff, you are investing in the safety, well-being, and development of your students.

Understanding  the Unique Needs of Boarding Schools

Boarding schools present an environment of unique challenges. Unlike day schools, boarding schools are a home away from home, and the relationships between students and boarding staff are crucial. House parents, pastoral staff, and even auxiliary staff like sports coaches and librarians have a significant pastoral role in supporting young people. Yet, many of these staff members do not have the same level of training and experience as teachers, particularly in recognising and addressing mental health needs.

This is where the Youth Mental Health First Aider course becomes invaluable. It bridges the training gap, ensuring that all staff, not just teachers, are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to provide early support to students showing signs of distress.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid Courses: A Practical Solution

The Youth Mental Health courses offer a comprehensive training solution tailored specifically for those working closely with young people. Delivered by MHFA England accredited instructors, there are three formats to accommodate different needs:

1. Youth Mental Health First Aid Course (2 Day): This is the most detailed option, providing in-depth understanding and practical skills to spot early signs of mental health issues and intervene appropriately. It focuses on building confidence in non-judgmental listening, understanding the triggers and signs of mental health issues, and knowing the appropriate support mechanisms to guide students toward recovery. This is best suited for staff who work with young people outside of traditional school hours and may need to respond to a mental health crisis without support from the day-school team.
2. Youth Mental Health Champion Course (1 Day): Ideal for teachers, LSAs and non-teaching staff, this course provides an understanding of common mental health issues and how they can affect young people; the ability to spot signs of mental ill health in young people and guide them to a place of support; the knowledge and confidence to advocate for mental health awareness and the skills to support positive wellbeing. It is a solid foundation in recognising mental health concerns and initiating support, without the depth of the two-day course.
3. Youth Mental Health Aware Course (Half Day): Ideal for ECTs, volunteers, sixth-form mentors or prefects. The course is perfect for a quick but impactful introduction to young people’s mental health, and covers some of the common mental health issues affecting young people, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and psychosis. It covers the skills to work more effectively with young people living with mental health issues and ways to support young people with a mental health issue and relate to their experiences.

All of these courses can be delivered online or in person through a flexible schedule, with the two and one day courses able to be split out into morning, afternoon, or evening half-days.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Investing in mental health training for your staff is more than just a compliance exercise—it is a proactive measure that directly impacts the wellbeing of your students and the overall effectiveness of your pastoral care system. Early identification and support of mental health issues can prevent escalation, reducing the strain on more intensive resources like in-school counsellors and medical staff. Boarding schools that prioritise early intervention are better positioned to create a supportive, responsive environment that addresses student needs before they reach crisis point.

By upskilling staff across all levels—from house parents to catering staff—you create a school-wide culture of mental health awareness. This not only benefits the students but also ensures that all staff feel confident and supported in their roles as they work for the benefit of the young people in their care.

What will staff take away?

Equipping boarding and pastoral staff with mental health training enhances their ability to provide immediate, effective support and builds a more cohesive school community. 

Staff who have become Mental Health First Aiders, Mental Health Champions or Mental Health Aware will: 

• feel better prepared and more confident in addressing mental health concerns
• be more equipped to recognise emerging mental health needs
• initiate mental health conversations with young people
• will be able to reduce the stigma around mental health - fostering a more open, supportive environment. 

Staff who have completed the full two-day Mental Health First Aider course will have the knowledge they need to respond effectively to a mental health crisis.

The benefits of the training aren’t just for your students. Investing in your staff’s professional development demonstrates a commitment to their wellbeing. Staff who feel valued and empowered are more likely to engage positively with their roles, leading to a more harmonious and productive school environment.

Strengthen Your School's Support System

The Youth Mental Health First Aid courses offer boarding schools a practical, scalable solution to the growing challenge of supporting mental health needs. By training your boarding and pastoral staff to recognise and address mental health needs early, you not only enhance student safety and wellbeing but also create a stronger, more supportive school community.

To learn more about how these courses can be tailored to fit your school’s needs and to discuss the best options for your staff, complete this form and a member of our team will get in contact to discuss your needs.

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