Mental health problems often develop early and, between the ages of 5-15, one in every nine children has a mental disorder (NHS Long Term Plan, 2019). Half of all mental health problems are established by the age of 14, with three-quarters experiencing symptoms by their mid-twenties.  

In Buckinghamshire’s 2021 OxWell Schools Survey, it was reported that four in ten children and young people had a low well-being score, with one in three never or rarely feeling good about themselves.  

Developing good mental health in children and young people is an important priority in the Buckinghamshire Joint Local Health & Wellbeing Strategy and has been emphasised in recent governmental initiatives and policies; in particular, schools have been identified as having an important role in promoting good mental health in children.  

National policies and guidance  

Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health Provision: a Green Paper 

Promoting children and young people’s mental health and well-being: A whole school or college approach 

Future in Mind 

Mental health and behaviour in schools 

Supporting mental health in schools and colleges: pen portraits of provision 

PSHE/Statutory health education 

Teaching about mental well-being (gov.uk)  

PSHE Association: Mental Health 

Better Health: Every Mind Matters 

Initiatives and training 

Buckinghamshire Mind, in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council, is offering fully funded Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Youth Mental Health First Aid and Suicide First Aid training courses  

Senior mental health lead training (gov.uk)  

Anna Freud Schools and Colleges webpage 

MindEd Hub 

MHSTs 

Young Minds mental health resources for schools 

National sources of support 

Mental health and well-being resources for teachers and staff  

Local sources of support  

For 24/7 support 7 days a week, you can call 111 and press the option for mental health services. People can use this number if they have an urgent concern about a child or young person.

Buckinghamshire CAMHs Single Point of Access

Integrated SEND Service (iSEND)

Family Information Service

Health for kids

Health for Teens

Suicide Prevention and Postvention Guide for Bucks 

Suicide Prevention and Postvention Guide for Bucks 

This guide has been developed to assist schools and colleges in Buckinghamshire to reduce deaths by suicide and respond effectively to any death by suicide within the school or college community. This local guide has been developed based on the framework of the Papyrus Guide and includes Buckinghamshire local information and support agencies available to support schools and colleges in preparing for and responding to a student death by suicide. 

Amparo (Listening Ear) - Thames Valley Suicide Bereavement Support Service 

Provides practical and emotional support for anyone (adults, children/young people, and families) affected by suicide in the Thames Valley area. Support can be provided one-to-one, to family groups, groups of colleagues or peers. This is a free service which is completely confidential and can provide short-term or longer-term support. 

Telephone: 0330 088 9255