Welcome to this page where you will find information about Suffolk's Mental Health Lead Network.
What is the Mental Health Lead Network?
The Mental Health Lead Network is a network that has been set up for educational staff, and has been running for the last year. Our network continues to grow and develop with educational settings across the whole of Suffolk and here is feedback from our members.
What our members are saying about our network
"Innovative, inspirational and influential -a network which makes a huge difference to staff and students." - Westbourne Academy.
"This is the only network of its kind, without it we would be on our own. It was a big ask of the DfE for all settings to have a senior mental health lead - a role that adds additional responsibility to our already very busy jobs! I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone who attends the network - I couldn't do this without support of this group." - Suffolk New College.
(Image above shows two happy cartoon people, one with hands up in celebration)
How can my school/setting join the network?
If someone from your setting/school would like to join our network meetings, please contact us
Please see below all of our network meeting dates for this academic year.
We will provide further details and handout resources from the sessions as they occur. Our Mental Health Lead Steering Group (attended by education setting staff from Primary, Secondary and Post 16) help us to determine the topic of our Network meetings. Our next Steering Group meeting is in early January when we will update this page with further session topics.
Circle of Friends Training Session - 5 and 14 October
Emotion Regulation Workshop - 3 November
Reflecting the role of Mental Health Leads in Education - 1 December
Self-harm and Safety Planning - 18 January 2022
Staff Wellbeing - 3 March 2022
Sharing good practice: What contributes towards supporting Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing in your setting - 4 April 2022
Relational Whole School Approaches – Relationship policies - 12 May 2022
Trauma Informed Practice - 23 June 2022
Supporting parents to navigate their child’s mental health needs - 19 July 2022
Tuesday 27th September 2022 - Topic TBC
Thursday 20th October 2022 - Topic TBC
Thursday 24th November 2022 - Topic TBC
Useful links
Those with mental health lead responsibilities in their setting may find these links helpful, alongside opportunities to join information sharing networks.
National Network of Mental Health Leads – The UK body for Mental Health and Wellbeing Leads
Senior mental health lead training
DfE Senior Mental Health Leads Course - Three Eggs Training
Anna Freud Mental Health and Wellbeing School Timetable - It includes curriculum themes and occasions linked to mental health for the 2022 spring term, with activity ideas and suggestions for each theme.
Anna Freud Mental Health Awareness days 2022 - Dates for Mental health awareness days in 2022.
Mental Health Lead in your setting Questionnaire - We are interested in how you are finding your role as Mental Health Lead in your setting. We would be so grateful if you would take a few minutes to complete our short Mental Health Lead Questionnaire.