Lawn Manor Academy team go back to the classroom to support pupils’ mental health

By Barrie Hudson - 29 May 2025

EducationSecondary

Staff at Lawn Manor Academy have completed an in-depth training programme aimed at strengthening support for young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing as well as preventing suicide amongst young people.

Over 100 members of staff have completed the SPEAK and SPOT suicide prevention training, made possible through funding from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).  

In addition, 20 staff members and parents completed 2-day ASIST training. The training was delivered by Papyrus, a national charity dedicated to reducing the number of young people who take their own lives.

Throughout the school year, online and in-person courses have also been offered to parents and carers, equipping the wider Lawn Manor community with essential knowledge and tools to identify warning signs, challenge stigma, and support open conversations around suicide in a safe and sensitive manner. 

It also built confidence in recognising when someone may be struggling and how to support them in creating a safety plan.

Helga Maddock, Assistant Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead and SENDCO at Lawn Manor Academy, said: “This training has been incredibly important for us as a school community.  

"Supporting the mental health of our pupils is one of our top priorities, and ensuring staff feel confident in having open, honest, and supportive conversations is a vital part of that. The impact of this training goes beyond the classroom; it helps to build a safer and more understanding community where young people know they are not alone.”

Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust.  For more information on Lawn Manor visit www.lawnmanor.org

For more information about Papyrus visit www.papyrus-uk.org

People experiencing thoughts of suicide or who are concerned for a young person who might be experiencing such thoughts can contact HOPELINE247 for confidential support and practical advice on 0800 068 4141, by texting 88247 or by emailing [email protected]

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