This follows a review over the last two years of mental health, social and emotional wellbeing support systems within education.

Project leads, Wayne Barton (Strategic) and Jackie Linares (Operational) have put together a diverse and dynamic programme in collaboration with Dr Pooky Knightsmith, a UK-based Child and Adolescent Mental Health Specialist and author who has provided excellent training and advice inthe past. Themes for this training phase have been identified primarily via staff and student feedback, multiagency engagement and statistical analysis conducted during the phased review.

The programme will run over three days with the first two encompassing themes such as School Counselling, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), managing transition to higher education and strategies for supporting students including self-help approaches. The student voice will also be represented, giving a 360 degree perspective to mental health in education.

The day-three morning session will concentrate specifically on year 13 students and their transition to higher education, which in most cases involves studying abroad away from family and local support systems. In the evening, parents for this cohort of students will be invited to a session where Dr Knightsmith will elaborate on topics such as “small ways of making big differences in wellbeing” and “when to worry and what to do next” as well as providing guidance on the proper and efficient management of exam stress.

As on other occasions, the event has attracted a significant response, not only from educators and public sector colleagues but also from the private sector, including NGOs and charities.

10-12-2019 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR