Scotland's Mental Health First Aid – Young People – Year 3 report

Year 2

In Year 2 a further 5 local authorities were identified to take part in the next phase of funding. They were identified as being in most need of immediate support, based on the Scottish Index Of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), suicide rates and on figures provided by NHS on the number of professionals trained in 'Scotland's Mental Health First Aid: Young People' within the Authority;

• Shetland
• Highland
• Argyll & Bute
• Dumfries & Galloway
• Scottish Borders

This was successfully evaluated in November 2016

In Year 3, a further 3 local authorities were identified to take part in the next phase of funding. Again, they were identified as being in most need of immediate support, based on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) and suicide rates.

• Dundee City Council
• South Lanarkshire Council
• Inverclyde Council

Each Local Authority was awarded a grant of £2000 to target support and training to school communities in most need, thus improving outcomes for learners in the most deprived areas or from particular vulnerable groups. Spending was as follows:

Those undertaking the training experience a 14 hour course, split into three sections:

• Part 1: 1-2 hours online session, covering relevant policies and procedures
• Part 2: 7 hours as a modular course, delivered face to face - a skills practice intervention training day (this can be delivered in 1.5 hour sessions, 2 half days or 1 full day)
• Part 3: 2-3 hours online session, using DVD clips with a reflective log to be completed

The main objectives were as follows

• those undertaking the training (identified members of secondary school staff and partners) will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required to approach and give initial help to children and young people experiencing mental health problems
• a greater number of pupils experiencing mental health problems will receive initial support when needed
• support for learners from the most deprived areas and from particular vulnerable groups as local authorities will be able to target support to the school communities that need it most (support will be organised in such a way as to complement existing mental health and mental wellbeing training and initiatives within the local authority)

Education Scotland

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