The science and stigma of mental health : Mentally Healthy Schools

This guide explores how poverty and deprivation affect mental health, and the impact this can have on staff and learners in FE and Skills settings.

The guide highlights the importance of addressing these issues openly and with compassion. It shows how leaders can create cultures where people feel they belong, where difference is respected and where wellbeing is supported at every level.

Practical advice is included throughout, helping leaders develop approaches that strengthen both individual support and organisational practice.

The resource can be adapted for use across the wider FE and skills sector and serves as a valuable addition to staff wellbeing toolkits and inclusion strategies.

Using this resource

This resource is designed for: 

leaders and managers in sixth form, FE and skills settings

mental health leads working across FE provision

wider FE and skills organisation, where adaptation may be needed.

Learning outcomes

This resource addresses the following learning outcomes:

Share simple evidence-based strategies and exercises with staff and pupils/students to help them manage their mental health and develop their own coping strategies.