WELLBEING AMBASSADOR TRAINING (for students in years 7-13)

· 1 in 5 young people are currently struggling emotionally

· 75% of adult mental illness begins below the age of 18

· 50% between 15-18

Young people are often reluctant to ask for adult help often due to shame and stigma

The well-being ambassador training raises awareness of mental health, reduces stigma and encourages peer support.

This two-hour training session covers the meaning of mental health, the mental health continuum, mental health illnesses, the signs of poor mental health and the impact on a young person’s life. The role of the Wellbeing Ambassador in the school community is explored .Every school may use this role in a way the best suits their community, from wearing a badge/different tie, to actively holding wellbeing “surgeries” where pupils can go to talk to a peer.

The training is interactive and works best with groups of up to six students from various year groups (ideally years 7-11 or years 7-13)

A minimum of 12 to a maximum of 36 students can be trained in groups of 6.

Prior to the training a power point will be provided should you wish to show this in assemblies/ tutor periods inviting students to apply in writing to take part in the training.

If you would like Liz to deliver this session to a group of your students, please email rpotts@bright-futures.co.uk. We are now also offering the option, for schools who are further away, to have a phone/video chat with our facilitator who will run through the training and send you her resources so that you can deliver the session yourself to your students. For more information about this, please email rpotts@bright-futures.co.uk.

Feedback

“Liz came to train a team of students to start our Wellbeing Ambassador team last academic year. Liz was amazing and our students loved her. The training was fun, comprehensive and fully prepared our students for their roles as Ambassadors. Liz is a friendly, warm and highly experienced trainer who I would have no hesitation in recommending.” – Zoe (2024)

Liz’s bio

I am a recently retired Deputy Headteacher having worked in Trafford for 38 years. I began my career as a French and Spanish teacher and as my passion has always been the welfare of young people, I have taken on various roles following the pastoral route: Director of Year, Assistant Headteacher (pastoral) and Deputy Headteacher responsible for safeguarding, Designated Teacher for looked after children, attendance, behaviour and Senior Mental Health Lead.

In 2016, I was part of the Enable Anti-Bullying project and have since been delivering anti-bullying ambassador training twice a year, every year to students in years 7-13. I have trained over 500 students since 2016.

I have also delivered training twice a year for Wellbeing Ambassadors, using a combination of my own and PiXL resources.

In November 2021 I qualified as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and I have delivered the two – day Mental Health First Aid course to teaching and non -teaching staff in various schools as well as to year 13 students. I have also delivered the MHFA Champion course to over 40 year 12/13 students.

I am very eager to support both staff and students at high school and primary schools by offering the following:

· Mental Health First Aid two- day course for adults working with young people

· Mental Health First Aid Champion one day course for staff and students 17+

· Anti-Bullying and Wellbeing Ambassador training for pupils years 5-13

Liz Copeland B.Ed. MHFA England Instructor Anti -Bullying Ambassador