Supporting students’ mental health is an essential part of fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. This masterclass is designed to empower staff working in colleges and Further Education (FE) settings with the knowledge and practical skills needed to recognise, understand, and support students struggling with common mental health conditions.

Masterclass Overview: 

Creating a supportive and informed educational environment is key to helping students thrive. This one-day masterclass equips college and Further Education (FE) staff with the essential skills and knowledge to identify and respond to mental health challenges that students may face.

With a focus on practical application, the session explores common conditions such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, offering insights into how these issues can impact students' academic performance, attendance, and overall well-being. Through interactive learning and real-world scenarios, participants will gain confidence in recognising early warning signs, providing appropriate support, and knowing when to escalate concerns.

Learning Outcomes: 

By the end of this masterclass, participants will be able to: 

• Recognise & Understand Key Mental Health Conditions 
  • Identify the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions such as eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. 
  • Understand how these conditions manifest in students, particularly within a college or FE setting, and the unique challenges they present in terms of learning, attendance, and behaviour. 
  • Gain an understanding of how these conditions can affect students’ academic progress and social interactions, and why early recognition is vital for providing timely support. 
• Support Students with Mental Health Conditions, Including Anxiety, Depression and Eating Disorders 
  • Learn evidence-based best-practice strategies for supporting students with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. 
  • Recognise when it is appropriate to intervene, when to refer students to specialist services, and when to escalate concerns to senior staff or mental health professionals. 
  • Develop the ability to offer sensitive, appropriate support that promotes recovery and helps reduce the risk of further mental health deterioration. 
• Use Effective Strategies for Supporting Students  
  • Equip themselves with practical skills to handle student disclosures, offering compassionate, non-judgmental responses that build trust and encourage students to seek help. 
  • Learn how to use de-escalation techniques to manage students who may be experiencing heightened anxiety or distress, creating a safe space where students feel supported. 
  • Develop an understanding of how to adapt their support strategies to meet the diverse and individual needs of students, while ensuring adherence to safeguarding policies and guidelines. 
• Reflect on the skills learned throughout the masterclass and create a clear, actionable plan for applying these skills to support students in their everyday roles.