Beginner senior mental health lead training

About this training

The beginner version of our senior mental health lead training is specifically designed for those working in schools who are new to the role and/or have not previously completed senior mental health leadership training.

You will develop the foundational knowledge and skills needed to implement a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing, using Anna Freud’s 5 Steps framework and action planning tool.

Alongside the training, you will also get:

• optional coaching sessions following the training course

• an online network to collaborate with peers

• a monthly senior mental health lead newsletter for ongoing advice, tips and quality-assured resources

• a CPD certificate on completion of the course.

The course is delivered by two expert trainers online via Zoom. Training runs from 9.30-13.00 for morning sessions and 13.00-16.30 for afternoon sessions.

Following the training you will be invited to a series of optional online coaching sessions that run from 09:30-11:00 or 15:30-17:00.  

Aims of this training

By the end of the course, you will:

• know how to lead your school to create an environment and culture that promotes wellbeing and consider the challenges you’ll face as the senior mental health lead

• be able to start reviewing your setting’s current mental health and wellbeing provision to identify what is working well and start creating an action plan to fill the gaps

• have a greater understanding of how to create a safe environment for students and staff and how to establish a peer support programme

• have increased knowledge of practical strategies to support your own wellbeing and that of your colleagues’.

Download our full information leaflet for the full list of learning outcomes.

Who is this training for?

Up to two mental health leads in schools who are new to the role and/or who have not previously completed senior mental health leadership training.

Please note, this is an introductory level course. If you have received mental health training previously or have relevant experience the intermediate level course is likely to be more suitable for you.

If you’re not sure if this course is right for you, please email us at smhl.training@annafreud.org where we can answer any questions.

You could also use Leeds Beckett University's learning level assessment tool here which you may find helpful.