Less than two months into the campaign and the response has been incredible: 

- 77,000 signatures of this petition
- Politicians, charities and influencers endorsing the campaign
- This petition has been shared on social media over 4,800 times

We has also seen initial progress from Damian Hinds and the Department of Education who have put forward outlines on how mental health could be included on the mandatory teaching curriculum from 2020. This is currently in the consultation stage so we need to keep pushing as it could still be retracted or may not go far enough to make the positive impact we all believe in. 

Read more in my previous update or scroll down to see part of a statement given to us recently from the Department of Education. This statement gives us such hope that the Department does understand the need for these changes and how much of a key role schools can play with the right support from government.

Once this petition reaches 100,000 signatures we will have an official handover at 10 Downing Street so it can be debated in parliament. So I’m asking that you join me in making one more big push of this petition so we can pass that milestone. Please share it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, email it... Even if you just pass your phone to a friend and get them to sign every signature helps.

We are so close to making changes that will raise future generations who are better equipped to understand mental health, know where to get support and experience far less stigma.

Thank you, Bobby Temps

Host of ‘Mental - The Podcast to Destigmatise Mental Health’

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Latest statement issued to us from the Department of Education:

‘We want all our children to fulfil their potential and we want to tackle the injustice of mental health problems, so that future generations can develop into confident adults equipped to go as far as their talents will take them.

The Department of Health and Social Care is responsible for children and young people’s mental health overall. However, schools and colleges increasingly report that they are supporting children and young people with mental health problems, and working with, and referring on to, specialist services.

Children and young people can attain better at school and college if they have good mental health. Schools and colleges have an important role to play in supporting the mental health and well-being of children and young people by developing approaches tailored to the particular needs of their pupils and students. Early intervention to identify issues and provide effective support is crucial.

Schools and colleges role can be summarised as:  

 -   Prevention: activities that raise awareness of mental health issues, tackle stigma and promote emotional wellbeing, good mental health and behaviours;

-     Identification: recognising emerging issues as early and accurately as possible;

-     Early support: interventions and programmes that support children and young people with emerging problems or those with less serious issues; and

-     Access to specialist support: working effectively with health

Improving mental health starts with ensuring that children and young people get the help and support they need. This department has committed to supporting schools and colleges to promote good mental wellbeing in children, providing a supportive environment for those experiencing problems, and securing access to more specialist help for those who need it.

We recognise that teachers are not mental health professionals. Where more serious problems occur, schools and colleges should expect the pupil/student and their family to be able to access support from sources which include professionals working in specialist Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS), voluntary organisations and local GP practices.’