New animation for school staff to support pupils’ mental health
The Anna Freud Centre is calling on all schools and colleges to use the new CARE animation on a staff training day, in a staff briefing or team meeting, and to send the animation and accompanying guidance notes out as a staff bulletin.
The Anna Freud Centre’s animation offers a simple principle for school staff to remember when talking to a young person facing mental health issues; CARE: (Be) Curious; (Be) Approachable; Refer (when you need to); and (Show) Empathy. 
This animation can be used by anyone, no matter their role, in a school or college setting to support pupils’ mental health. The animation is accompanied by guidance notes and a poster.
Jaime Smith, Director of the Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools Programme at the Anna Freud Centre, says: “Just like physical health, we all have mental health. So no young person struggling with their mental health should feel alone. Mental health is everyone’s responsibility and an important part of a school or college’s commitment to safeguarding.
“School staff know their pupils really well. They see them every day and can notice any signs if they’re struggling. They also know their school setting and the points in the year when they may need to be more vigilant.
“We’re not expecting school staff to become mental health experts. School staff don’t always have to solve the problem or have all the answers, but there is power in listening and understanding, and getting appropriate support when needed. These resources are here to help school staff, so that children and young people get the help they need, when they need it.”
Watch the CARE animation and download the accompanying guidance notes and poster.
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