STAFF from schools across Ryedale have taken part in training to help support the mental health and wellbeing of pupils.

Terrington Hall School hosted a two-day level two and level three course delivered by Sarah Wilmore, wellbeing worker for the charity Compass BUZZ in Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale.

The courses were also attended by key staff from Gillamoor, Foston and Terrington, and Hovingham and St Hilda’s primary schools.

Having already explored how to develop a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing in level one, two and three training covered early identification of need and early help and intervention in areas such as anxiety, stress, bullying, eating problems, self harm, low mood and self-esteem.

As well as raising awareness of common mental health problems and the signs and symptoms to look out for, the training also covered therapeutic skills, how to make early assessments of need and how to access help and support.

Suzy Ward, deputy head of Terrington Hall School, said: “One of the biggest challenges facing education today is the rising mental health and wellbeing needs of pupils. It has been wonderful to access the expert help and guidance of Compass BUZZ and to share this with colleagues in other schools. My hope is that we can each build effective support networks within our schools to ensure the best possible outcome for our pupils.”