Mental health

Introduction to the role of Senior Mental Health Lead (SMHL) and developing Whole School Approaches (WSA) to Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing (MHEW).

This training focuses on supporting Senior Mental Health Leads in schools to understand their role and begin to develop and implement Whole School Approaches (WSA) to Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing (MHEW).

This course will provide a mix of taught content, exploration of practical tools, time for reflection, experiential exercises and developing peer supports with other SMHLs. The course aligns with the eight WSA principles as set out in the Public Health England document ‘Promoting Children and Young Peoples Emotional Health and Wellbeing’.

The course will include:

  • Two-days of in-person training
  • Bespoke consultation in your setting to support you to develop and implement WSA action plans, aligned with your schools priorities
  • We recommend attending SMHL network meetings to continue to build peer support networks, and access mental health themed resources and information and further training
  • Learner Handbook containing recommended resources and links.

Benefits:

  • Personalised learning that will support you to identify and address the mental health needs of the whole school community.
  • Time for you to understand the SMHL role, complete a MHEW audit and start to develop achievable action plans.
  • Working towards promoting a whole school ethos that fosters a mentally healthy environment for the whole school community.

Key Objectives:

  • To explore factors important to lead strategic change towards implementing an effective whole school approach
  • To develop a MHEW team, strategy, policies and plans
  • To identify and utilise tools, strategies and resources to confidently engage staff to help promote and support their mental health and wellbeing
  • To facilitate development of school staff, identifying critical training, supporting learning needs, and ensuring that all staff can recognise and understand the process to respond to mental health concerns
  • To explore how to integrate MHEW into the wider curriculum to support outcomes for pupils
  • To develop a system of graduated support for MHEW needs within school, and understand local support service provision and how to access this
  • To discuss structures for support and decision-making processes for pupil referrals
  • To explore how to optimise pupil participation in all areas of school life
  • To explore your organisation's relationships with parents/carers and how to maximise engagement.

Additional Information

This course has been quality assured by the DfE as part of the Senior Mental Health Training Grant.

DfE grants are available for the 2023/2024 financial year. You are likely to be eligible for a grant if you:

  • are a state-funded school or college that has not previously applied for SMHL funding
  • have appointed an SMHL that's being supported by the senior leadership team to implement a whole school approach to mental health.

Our course code is SMHL061

We welcome self-funded applicants and/or those who have accessed the DfE grant.

Who can attend this course?

The Senior Mental Health Leads’ training is suitable for those who are new to role or have had minimal training in mental health and education.

You can use this tool to assess your learning level to help identify appropriate training from a directory of providers.

The DfE grant allows for 1 delegate per team/school/organisation; additional bookings will need to be paid for and will be added to the waitlist.

Cost - £800

Contact – MHEW in Education Team MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Course dates, venue and times
Please make a note of the course code and date, you will need this to book. All courses close for bookings 2 weeks before the course start date.
Course code Venue Course dates Time
CANCELLED - MHEW056 Hellingly Community Hub 12th October 2023 and 30th November 2023 09:00 - 15:30
MHEW057 Hellingly Community Hub (Blue Room) 7th February 2024 and 20th March 2024 09:00 - 15:30
MHEW058  Venue tbc 24th April 2024 and 20th June 2024 09:00 - 15:30
Go to booking form

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.


Responding to unexpected death; a toolkit for East Sussex schools and colleges

This briefing session for Headteachers provides an introduction to a newly developed Toolkit, designed to support schools in the event of a critical incident, including responding to a completed suicide.

It is the first phase of a wider set of information, training and support for schools,  

This will be delivered by Grassroots Suicide Prevention Charity and is funded through Public Health and Education.

Training objectives

Understanding of current picture and the need for training for Headteachers. Ensure they know how to identify risk and how to respond to signs.

Understanding of how to use the Toolkit and knowing how to respond to a sudden death and having difficult conversations.

Who is in their core team and what training have they had so far.

Headteachers will be familiar with the Toolkit. Headteachers will understand phase 2 of the training for key leads in all schools and the LA procedures and response teams.

Who can attend this course?

These briefing sessions are for Headteachers of Primary, Secondary and Special schools, and for Principals of Post-16 Colleges. They will be delivered by Grassroots Suicide Prevention Charity and are funded through Public Health and Education.

Cost - £0 Limited to one place per school and there are 50 spaces available per course.

Contact - MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Number of Sessions

There are 4 sessions available to attend, each covering the same information.

Course dates, venue and times
We currently do not have any dates scheduled, we regularly add courses to the programme so please look out for the weekly advertising or keep visiting these pages.

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.


Self Harm Toolkit - Train the Trainer

This is a practical training for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL's) and Senior Mental Health Leads to use in their schools with their staff team to introduce the principal areas of the self - harm toolkit.

The training will focus on language to use, the dos and don’ts for staff on how to respond. It will go through completing a safety plan and increase understanding on the reasons for self harming as a way of managing.

The aims of the course are to increase confidence in using the toolkit for school staff.

Who can attend this course?

This training is for DSLs or the Senior Mental Health lead in East Sussex schools.

A maximum of one delegate per organisation, further bookings will be put on a wait list until closer to the start date.

Cost - Cost - £0 per person, see terms and conditions for information on cancellation and no-show charges

Contact - Workforce Development Training Events Team 

Course dates, venue and times
Please make a note of the course code and date, you will need this to book. 
Course code Venue Course dates Time
SHT100 Wellshurst Golf Club, Hellingly 22 November 2023 09:00 – 12:00
SHT101 Wellshurst Golf Club, Hellingly 30 November 2023 09:00 – 12:00
These courses close for all bookings 2 weeks before the course start date. Go to booking form

To cancel a course booking or change the name on a booking, please use the cancellation/replacement booking form.


Mental Health Leads Supervision

These sessions are facilitated by Education Division staff using the Integrated model of supervision, to support MH Leads and staff working with MHEW in schools or colleges.

Who can attend this course?

Mental Health Leads, Pastoral Leads, any staff working to support MHEW in their school.

Important Information 

This is a safe, confidential and reflective space for up to 6 attendees, to explore challenges and share thinking to support practice.

These courses will be held on Microsoft teams - links will be sent out with confirmation email.

These courses are free to attend, but are limited to 6 attendees.  Waiting list will apply.

Contact – MHEW in Education Team MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Course dates, venue and times
Please make a note of the course code and date, you will need this to book. All courses close for bookings 2 weeks before the course start date.
Course code Venue Course dates Time
MHEW061 via Microsoft teams 7th December 2023 13:00 - 14:30
MHEW062 via Microsoft teams 16th January 2024 13:00 - 14:30
MHEW063 via Microsoft teams 21st February 2024 13:00 - 14:30
MHEW064 via Microsoft teams 21st March 2024 13:00 - 14:30
MHEW065 via Microsoft teams 23rd April 2024 13:00 - 14:30
MHEW066 via Microsoft teams 15th May 2024 13:00 - 14:30
MHEW067 via Microsoft teams 13th June 2024 13:00 - 14:30
MHEW068 via Microsoft teams 9th July 2024 13:00 - 14:30
Go to booking form

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.


Post-16 MHEW virtual networking meetings

These sessions are facilitated by colleagues from the Education Division and Youth Employability Service, to support MH Leads and staff in their MHEW practice within sixth forms, FE colleges or training providers.

Who can attend this course?

Mental Health Leads, Pastoral Leads, Careers Leads, or any staff working to support MHEW in their setting.

Important Information 

This is a safe, confidential and reflective space for up to 20 attendees, to explore challenges and share thinking and resources to support practice.

These courses will be held on Microsoft teams - links will be sent out with confirmation email.

These courses are free to attend, but are limited to 20 attendees.  Waiting list will apply.

Contact – MHEW in Education Team MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Course dates, venue and times
Please make a note of the course code and date, you will need this to book. All courses close for bookings 2 weeks before the course start date.
Course code Venue Course dates Time
MHEW070 via Microsoft teams 23rd November 2023 16:00 - 17:00
Go to booking form

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.


Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) network sessions

These sessions are facilitated by staff from the Education Division services, including:  Behaviour & Attendance, Teaching and Learning Provision (TLP), Communication, Language and Autism Support Service (CLASS) and the Educational Psychology Service (EPS) 

Who can attend this course?

School and college staff.

Important Information 

Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) network sessions are to support school-based practitioners to address situations where CYP have reduced attendance/are not attending school for emotional reasons.  The meetings provide an opportunity for open discussion and problem-solving, so they offer learning rather than training.

The meetings will provide an opportunity to:

  • identify and address challenges 
  • share good practice and achievements with schools and other partners
  • facilitate increased understanding, skills and confidence in using the ESCC EBSA Guidance and Toolkit

Facilitators will refer to the EBSA toolkit and guidance and signpost to additional support as appropriate.

These sessions are held termly on Microsoft teams - links and Terms of Reference will be sent out with confirmation email.

These courses are free to attend, but are limited to 20 attendees.  Waiting list will apply.

Contact – MHEW in Education Team MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Course dates, venue and times
Please make a note of the course code and date, you will need this to book. All courses close for bookings 2 weeks before the course start date.
Course code Venue Course dates Time
MHEW072 via Microsoft teams 5th December 2023 15:30 - 17:00
MHEW073 via Microsoft teams 6th February 2024 15:30 - 17:00
MHEW074 via Microsoft teams 19th March 2024 15:30 - 17:00
MHEW075 via Microsoft teams 14th May 2024 15:30 - 17:00
MHEW076 via Microsoft teams 2nd July 2024 15:30 - 17:00
Go to booking form

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.


Vulnerable Learners Protocol; Supporting vulnerable learners transition into post 16

What is the Vulnerable Learners Protocol and why is it important? This session has been developed to inform professionals that are working directly or indirectly with vulnerable learners, about the new ‘Vulnerable Learners Protocol’ and how it should be used to support vulnerable learners with the transition from school into post 16.
During the session we will explore;
• Why the protocols have been developed and why they are important
• What the content is in the protocols and its purpose
• How the protocols support the transition for vulnerable learners
• How should the protocols be used by individuals and a whole setting 

Who can attend this course?

ESCC staff, all DSL's, Deputy /Assistant Head, SENCos, Careers leads and inclusion leads in schools and Further Education providers, all social workers & early help workers.

Important Information 

This course will be held on Microsoft team - links will be sent out with confirmation email.

This course is free to attend and there are 40 places available. Waiting list will apply.

Contact – MHEW in Education Team MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Course dates, venue and times
Please make a note of the course code and date, you will need this to book. All courses close for bookings 2 weeks before the course start date.
Course code Venue Course dates Time
MHEW078 via Microsoft teams 21st November 2023 15:30 - 16:30
Go to booking form

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.


Staff wellbeing and motivation in challenging times

We recognise that staff wellbeing in schools is being challenged, as shown in the Teachers Wellbeing Index that many people are leaving or thinking of leaving the profession due to high stress.  This training session will look at how schools can support staff with their wellbeing and motivation.

Aims:

  • An opportunity to network and reflect on current practice
  • Increase understanding of how to identify and respond to staff wellbeing needs
  • Practical tools and strategies to use

Who can attend this course?

This event is aimed at any staff who manage other members of staff e.g. team/phase/department/pastoral leads.  However, all staff are welcome. 

Important Information 

This course will be held at Hellingly Community Hub, The Blue Room, The Drive, Hellingly, BN27 4EP

Tea/Coffee included.

This course is free to attend and there are 40 places available. Waiting list will apply.

Contact – MHEW in Education Team MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Course dates, venue and times
Please make a note of the course code and date, you will need this to book. All courses close for bookings 2 weeks before the course start date.
Course code Venue Course dates Time
MHEW079 Hellingly Community Hub, The Blue Room, The Drive, Hellingly, BN27 4EP Thursday 23rd November 2023 13:00 - 16:00
MHEW080 Hellingly Community Hub, The Blue Room, The Drive, Hellingly, BN27 4EP Wednesday 26th June 2024 13:00 - 16:00
Go to booking form

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.


Managing sensitive conversations about mental health and wellbeing with parents and carers

Engaging parents and carers can be challenging, particularly if you need to talk about a sensitive subject.  This training will go through approaches and resources for all education staff who regularly speak to parents/carers to help ensure conversations are helpful for everyone involved and have the best outcomes for the children and young people.

This training will address concerns regarding both children and young people, and parental mental health.  Learning may also be applicable to interactions with staff and therefore may be useful for those with line management responsibilities.

Facilitated by the MH Support Teams Parent & Carer Practitioners.

Who can attend this course?

Education staff who regularly speak to parents/carers.

Important Information 

This course will be held at Hellingly Community Hub (Hall), The Drive, Hellingly, BN27 4EP

Tea/Coffee included.

This course is free to attend and there are 40 places available. Waiting list will apply.

Contact – MHEW in Education Team MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Course dates, venue and times
We currently do not have any dates scheduled, we regularly add courses to the programme so please look out for the weekly advertising or keep visiting these pages.

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.


Pupil anxiety - a whole school approach

Schools and colleges are experiencing an increase in children and young people needing support with anxiety and worry.  This training session will explore how to develop and implement whole school approaches to anxiety, in order to prevent it from becoming a problem for children and young people and know how to identify and support those children and young people experiencing anxiety and worry.

Aims:

  • To enhance understanding and skills in responding to behaviours related to anxiety for children and young people
  • To explore universal and targeted strategies and resources
  • To increase staff confidence in facilitating whole class or group work on anxiety
  • An opportunity to network and reflect on current practice

Who can attend this course?

Education staff 

Important Information 

This course will be held at:-

January date - Hellingly Community Hub, The Blue Room, The Drive, Hellingly, BN27 4EP

April date - Arlington Village Hall, The Street, Arlington, BN26 6RX

Tea/Coffee included.

This course is free to attend and there are 40 places available. Waiting list will apply.

Contact – MHEW in Education Team MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Course dates, venue and times
Please make a note of the course code and date, you will need this to book. All courses close for bookings 2 weeks before the course start date.
Course code Venue Course dates Time
MHEW082 Hellingly Community Hub, The Blue Room, The Drive, Hellingly, BN27 4EP Tuesday 23rd January 2024 09:00-12:00
MHEW083 Arlington Village Hall, The Street, Arlington, BN26 6RX Thursday 18th April 2024 13:00-16:00
Go to booking form

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.


Schools' and Colleges' Race Equality and Anti-Racism Network

Experiencing racism has significant mental health consequences for young people. All settings need to consider anti-racism as part of their whole-school approach to mental health.
This is a dedicated space for staff to share practice, network with colleagues & professional partners, update knowledge & skills, & gain fresh ideas & resources around becoming actively anti-racist.
Up to date theory and practice are explored, with schools, colleges and professionals presenting on topics such as:


• Curriculum and policy development
• Promoting cultural diversity
• Building staff and pupil knowledge, awareness, and confidence

Who can attend this course?

Any staff and professional working to address race equality and MHEW in their setting

Important Information 

This is a safe, confidential and reflective space for up to 6 attendees, to explore challenges and share thinking to support practice.

These courses will be held on Microsoft teams - links will be sent out with confirmation email.

Waiting list will apply.

Contact – MHEW in Education Team MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Course dates, venue and times
Please make a note of the course code and date, you will need this to book. All courses close for bookings 2 weeks before the course start date.
Course code Venue Course dates Time
MHEW085 via Microsoft teams Wednesday 13th March 2024 15:30-16:50
MHEW086 via Microsoft teams Wednesday 19th June 2024 15:30-16:50
Go to booking form

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.


Post 16 MHEW Networking Event

This face-to-face event will include training, signposting and networking covering the following MHEW areas: Building capacity through peer support (Miles Carabine, Mental Health Foundation), Staff wellbeing and support (Verity Wilde, Public Health), KS5 PSHE Curriculum - what do you and your students need?

These sessions are facilitated by colleagues from the Education Division, Youth Employability Service and Public Health, to support MH Leads and staff in their MHEW practice within sixth forms, FE colleges or training providers.

Who can attend this course?

Mental Health Leads, Pastoral Leads, any staff working to support MHEW in their school.

Important Information 

Will be held at East Sussex College Group, Eastbourne Campus, ECAT House,  Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne BN21 2UF

Light lunch, tea and coffee provided

Contact – MHEW in Education Team MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Course dates, venue and times
We currently do not have any dates scheduled, we regularly add courses to the programme so please look out for the weekly advertising or keep visiting these pages.

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.


MHEW Conference for schools and colleges

THEME

Improving wellbeing through collaboration, community and culture 

KEYNOTE

Building a Culture of Wellbeing and High Performance – Dr Ioan Rees

WORKSHOPS

  • How to Conduct Solution Oriented Conversations - Best Techniques for School and College Staff
  • Substance Misuse and the Impact on Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing (MHEW)
  • Embedding Pupil Participation to improve Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing (MHEW)
  • Race Equality and Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing (MHEW)
  • Parental Engagement – a practical exploration (TBC)

MARKET PLACE

Stalls of local MHEW support providers and practitioners, including EBSA support, Allsorts and more.

As always, the conference is an opportunity to share practice, network with colleagues and professional partners, update your knowledge and skills, and leave inspired with fresh ideas and resources.

Parking is available on-site, and there will also be a shuttle bus from Lewes/Plumpton train stations.  Timings to be confirmed in due course.

£30.00 per delegate.  Initially, 2 places per setting will be offered.  Should you wish to send more delegates, please email MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk and we will keep a waiting list until bookings are confirmed.

Lunch and all refreshments included.

Important Information

9.00am arrival for 9.30am start and finishing at 4.00pm. 

The event will be held at the new AgriFood Centre at Plumpton College. 

Contact – MHEW in Education Team MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Course dates, venue and times
Please make a note of the course code and date, you will need this to book. This will close on 5 January 2024.
Course code Venue Course dates Time
MHEW088 AgriFood Centre at Plumpton College entrance via Wales Lane entry point Plumpton, BN7 3AE Wednesday 31 January 2024 09:00-16:00
Go to booking form

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.


Building Understanding of the Impacts of Loss and Bereavement and to explore the Unexpected Death Toolkit for East Sussex schools and colleges training, resources and support package)

Training objectives.

The training will increase awareness and understanding of the impact of bereavement and loss on CYP. The Toolkit for Responding to Unexpected Death; safety planning, including one developed for CYP with Autism; explore strategies, tools and resources to support the school/college community in the event of a suicide.

Delegates will be more knowledgeable about the impact of bereavement and loss on CYP. This will offer strategies of how to support bereaved CYP.  They will be familiar with the Toolkit and how to lead and co-ordinate school/college response to a critical incidents including suicide and understand the multi-agency support and response. They will have explored the impact of working with suicide issues.

The training is going to be around bereavement and loss in the morning and focus on the unexpected death tool kit in the afternoon.

The training days will be delivered by the Educational Psychology Service and Grassroots Suicide Prevention Charity and are funded through Public Health and Education.

Who can attend this course?

Please make sure you are the identified lead or a nominated representative within your school/college for using the Toolkit in the event of an unexpected death/suicide.

Please bring a copy of the Unexpected Death Toolkit with you on the day. 

Refreshments/buffet lunch will be available.

Cost - £0 and there are 40 spaces available per course.

Contact - MHEW@eastsussex.gov.uk

Course dates, venue and times
Please make a note of the course code and date, you will need this to book. All courses close for bookings 2 weeks before the course start date.
Course code Venue Course dates Time
MHEW089 TBC 11th January 2024 09:15 - 16:00
MHEW090 TBC 12th March 2024 09:15 - 16:00
MHEW091 TBC 20th May 2024 09:15 - 16:00
Go to booking form

To cancel a course booking, please use the Learning Portal - cancellation form.