Mental health support teams in schools and colleges

The first mental health support teams (MHSTs) started working in schools and colleges in early 2020, and by April 2023 there will be more than 400 teams across England, supporting an estimated three million 5-18 year olds. MHSTs provide psychological interventions for young people with mild to moderate mental health problems, and help teaching and other staff promote emotional wellbeing across their setting. A new role in the mental health workforce, education mental health practitioner (EMHP), has been created for the teams.

This webinar will share and discuss the findings of a national process evaluation which explored how the first wave of 58 MHSTs were set up and are working with education settings and other partners to deliver support. The study captured the views and experiences of those working in MHSTs, staff in schools and colleges, mental health and children’s services, commissioners and children and young people. 

As well as hearing about the study findings, you will also hear the reflections of people with direct experience in supporting mental health in schools:

• Colin Lofthouse, Chief Executive Officer, SMART Multi-Academy Trust
• Lizzie Mitchell, education mental health practitioner and member of the University of Birmingham Institute for Mental Health Youth Advisory Group
• Dr Niki Cooper (Clinical Director) and Janine Thomas (Regional Clinical Lead), Place2Be