At the Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire, relationships matter. Whilst we work closely with our students to build the confidence and vital skills needed to tackle tomorrows job roles we’re also on hand to provide support surrounding mental health. Breaking down barriers and encouraging positive conversations supports our school, our futures and each other. With mental health amongst teenagers being described as an “escalating crisis” it is vital that our students, staff and parents, have access to structures that educate about these issues.
Mick Heatlie, ENL UTC Vice Chair of Governors, has been regularly involved with the ENL UTC, by using his passion for engineering to help students raise their standard of achievement through skills development. With his company ACTTnow (Assuring Competence Through Training) Mick and his team, are now delivering high-quality training courses to our staff to provide a valuable early warning and intervention system. Delivering a number of accredited First Aid Awards Training (FAA) Courses, it will cover:
FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health (RQF)
Provides learners with the knowledge to identify suspected mental health conditions and the skills to start a conversation and signpost the individual towards professional help. This course is a great introduction to First Aid for Mental Health and covers a range of subjects including: what is first aid for mental health? Identifying mental health conditions, providing advice and conversation, stress, and mental health conditions.
All members of our Support and Teaching Staff will complete this half day course by end of February 2020, to feel confident, knowledgeable and ready when providing crucial early support and conversations with our young people.
FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health (RQF)
The Level 2 course covers the content of the Level 1 but also expands on the effects of drugs and alcohol, incorporates the First Aid for Mental Health Action Plan and covers ways in which a positive mental health culture can be supported within a workplace.
FAA Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health (RQF)
The Level 3 course goes into detail on a wide range of mental health conditions and the support and help provided by healthcare professionals. It also covers the content of both the Level 1 and 2 qualifications but is aimed specifically at trainers/assessors and/or supervisor levels within the workplace.
Through this Level 3 qualification, three members of the ENL UTC team are now our Mental Health Champions. With Elaine Hewson, James Emmett and Lorraine Hardy, often being the first point of contact in the school it was recognised that offering them professional training, ensured they are well equipped to offer an environment for all individuals that focuses on mental wellbeing.
Not only will our champions be supporting our students and staff when dealing with home and work life, and social situations, they will also be providing support to our parents to help identify mental health conditions, how to spot and understand the early signs whilst signposting them to the appropriate professional help.
Keep an eye on our website for further detail surrounding our pastoral support and Mental Health Champions. If you have any questions or would like further information regarding anything mentioned in this article please contact us on info@enlutc.co.uk or call 01724 878100. To find out more about ACTTnow, please follow the link below.
