Free mental health training now available for staff working with children and young people

Recently we announced that Portsmouth has been chosen as one of three cities where any adult who works or volunteers with children, young people and families can receive training to support a child with their mental health.

The free online course is designed to give staff some basic training in children’s emotional health, so professionals can better spot the signs that a young person is struggling and know how to best to support them.

The training is being delivered and supported by the Anna Freud Centre, Charlie Waller Trust and The National Children’s Bureau.

You can now book your place on the online training course, and three different options are available (see below for dates and course options, please only book one).

• One full day course
• Three morning sessions (two hours per session)
• Two evening sessions (three hours per session)

Who can complete the training?

This course is specifically targeted at those without a core professional training or qualification in child and adolescent mental health.

It is for all staff and volunteers from a range of professional backgrounds who work, or come into contact with, children and young people in a variety of settings and sectors. This includes if you work in:

• Education
• Early years and childcare
• Sports clubs
• Youth and social support
• Family and community services
• Transport
• Libraries
• Healthcare, including GP practice and community staff
• Voluntary sector

What is included in the training?

The aim of the training is to help you learn how to spot the signs that a young person might need support with their mental health. You will learn what to look for, what to say and where to go for additional help if needed.

The training includes three modules which all need to be completed:

• Module 1: Improved knowledge and confidence in identifying early signs of poor mental health
• Module 2: Improved knowledge and confidence in offering early intervention and support
• Module 3: Improved knowledge and confidence in when and how to seek more specialist help

How to book your training:

• Choose one of the three course options (full day, three morning sessions or two evenings)
• Choose one booking option below which suits you
• Click ‘book here’ next to the course you wish to attend (whilst holding down the CTRL key)
• An email will automatically open with your selected course information
• Send this email to the team and you will then receive your booking confirmation and Microsoft Teams link

Please note: You must attend all the sessions you are invited to, to complete the course. Swapping sessions will only be approved in exceptional circumstances.

If you have any questions, please contact healthandcare@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Option one: one full day course

Option two: three morning sessions

Option three: two evening sessions