Norfolk and Waveney Mind Launches Pioneering Partnership Programme for School

Local Mental Health Charity, Norfolk and Waveney Mind are delighted to introduce a pioneering Partnership Programme targeted at primary and prep schools throughout Norfolk and Waveney.
 
The charity, which is one of the largest mental health charities in the country, has teamed up with Norwich Lower School to develop the new partnership scheme, working closely with staff to create a new accreditation for primary and prep schools.

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Schools wishing to qualify to be a Partner School will aspire to meeting 12 criteria designed to support the mental health of pupils, parents and staff in the school community.

James Large, Principal Deputy Head, Norwich Lower School, said:
“It is a privilege to be working with Norfolk and Waveney Mind on this extremely exciting and innovative new scheme, which is an opportunity for all primary and prep schools throughout Norfolk and Waveney to further improve their mental health provision.
 
The Partnership Programme has been designed for any primary or prep school committed to making a real difference in supporting mental health in their school. The criteria have been developed to be accessible to all school settings, and many of the requirements are likely already being delivered in schools in the area, however, there are other criteria, which, whilst more ambitious, should make a real positive impact.”

Other criteria schools are being asked to achieve include staff being trained in mental health first aid; staff mental health being surveyed and the results being fed back to senior management; and coffee mornings for parents to support the parent community.
 
Schools participating in the Partnership Programme can benefit from support in promoting good mental health in their school communities, easy access to the resources and services that Norfolk and Waveney Mind offers and the opportunity to share good practice with this network of partner schools, with an annual school conference already in the planning stages.
 
Rachel Walsh, Fundraising, Marketing and Communications Lead at Norfolk and Waveney Mind, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Norwich School to be championing better mental health in education. At Norfolk and Waveney Mind, our ambition is to ensure that no one has to face poor mental health alone. This project is a great opportunity for us to reach more people – staff, pupils and parents. To raise awareness, and also provide information, advice and support. As a local mental health charity, we know how important prevention is for mental health, so providing young people with the skills they need to support their mental health into the future can only be a positive thing.”

For more information about becoming a Norfolk and Waveney Mind Partner School, e-mail enquiries@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk or call 0300 3305488 option 2.