A NEW scheme will see teachers at 13 schools and colleges across town trained to help them spot signs of mental health problems in students.

Schools and colleges have pledged to promote the importance of mental wellbeing among 11 to 16-year-olds through the Future in Mind Pledge.

Teachers of participating schools will be trained to spot the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in order to identify students who may be experiencing issues.

Steve Tatham, lead commissioner for children, maternity and women at NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The Future in Mind Pledge is one way in which the CCG is demonstrating its commitment with partner agencies to the health and wellbeing of young people in our town.

“By working together with local schools we are empowering young people with an understanding of the importance of good mental health, the assurance that it is ok to talk about their feeling and anxieties and the tools to know where to get extra support should they need it.”

So far, Priestley College, Beamont Collegiate Academy, Great Sankey High School, Penketh High School, St Gregory’s Catholic High School, Cardinal Newman Catholic High School, Sir Thomas Boteler High School, Bridgewater High School, Lymm High School, Culcheth High School, Future Tech Studio and Woolston Brook School have signed up for the scheme.

Culcheth High School head teacher Chris Hunt said: “It is widely recognised that a child’s emotional health and wellbeing influences their learning as well as their physical and social health and their mental wellbeing in adulthood.

“Our hope is that this initiative will support Warrington’s secondary schools and colleges through strong collaboration with mental health professionals to promote the health and wellbeing of all of Warrington’s young people.”