To assist students who might be struggling with mental health issues, school staff members have received training on suicide awareness.
The charity Papyrus provided the training to about 70 teachers and staff members at Penair School in Truro, Cornwall.
It is hoped that this will make it easier for staff to recognize and support students who may be struggling.
A session with Kate Crofton, who made two attempts at suicide in 2021, was part of the training.
"It is something I feel so strongly about—we need to lessen the stigma surrounding mental health, and particularly suicide," she said. Thus, the more we are able to discuss it, the more we can do to stop it. I'm excited to talk about my own journey because of this. ".
The curriculum at the school also includes lessons on ways to promote students' mental health.
"We take the mental health of our students and staff very seriously at Penair School, and anything we can do to upskill our staff and prepare them to spot the signs of suicide, I think is a positive thing," said James Davidson, head teacher.
Ged Flynn, the chief executive of Papyrus, stated: "Surely every teacher would choose to help and support our children over picking up the pieces when young lives are lost to suicide and families and friends are left in ruins. "We express our gratitude to the committed teachers and non-teaching staff who daily assist kids who are experiencing emotional hardship. Instead of asking them to do more, we are requesting that they act differently. "Listen to a young person who is having a hard time in life rather than attempting to fix them. Talk to them, don't be afraid to use the word "suicide," reassure them, and let them know they're not alone and there's help out there.
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