In order to address the mental health challenges it is foreseen that in 2025 the educational institutions in the United Kingdom will appoint mental health professionals and creating the skills profile of such a specialist https://www.mentalhealthplus.eu/skills-profile by the Mental Health+ team is an important step towards its meaningful realization.
Although the topic of mental health of young people and those working with them has always been seriously discussed, the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated lockdowns and distance learning requirements, has highlighted the importance of mental health and wellbeing and the extent to which it impacts young people (as well as teachers). The main purpose of this tool is to support VET organizations (and other educational organizations) to develop the role of Mental Health Champion.
A Mental Health Champion is someone who takes action to raise awareness, normalise the conversation around mental health and challenge stigma. Mental health champions aren’t expected to be experts in mental health, or to diagnose mental health problems. Instead, their role is to both promote positive mental health and address mental ill health and to signpost to relevant support and help, where appropriate.
The Mental Health+ team is lead by Aspire-international from the United Kingdom and includes Business Foundation for Education from Bulgaria, CESIE from Italy, Learnmera Oy from Finland, Hugarafl from Iceland and Fundación Intras from Spain.