Mental Health Literacy Training for Educators
Supporting educators to promote the mental health and wellbeing of learners.
Building mental health literacy. Strengthening support. Supporting learner wellbeing.
What is the Psychosocial Support Programme (PSP) in Schools?
The Psychosocial Support Programme (PSP) is an evidence-based training programme designed to support teachers and other school-based staff in promoting the mental health and well-being of learners.
The programme develops practical skills to help educators recognise, understand and respond to mental health and wellbeing challenges in everyday school life.
The PSP was developed by the SNF Global Center for Child & Adolescent Mental Health at the Child Mind Institute, in partnership with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), and the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI).
What will educators learn?
Through the training, educators will develop practical knowledge and skills to:
Strengthen self-care practices
Understand the importance of self-care and learn practical strategies to support their own wellbeing.
Promote mental health and wellbeing
Build confidence and preparedness to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in everyday school life.
Develop practical tools
Learn simple, adaptable strategies that can be applied in the classroom and across the school environment.
Build on existing strengths
Strengthen the positive practices and approaches already being used in schools.
Foster shared responsibility
Work together as a school team to make mental health and wellbeing a shared responsibility.
Why is this important?
1
Schools are an important setting for promoting the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents.
2
Educators interact with learners every day and are often well placed to notice changes in behaviour, functioning or wellbeing.
3
The PSP equips educators with practical knowledge and skills to respond with confidence, care and appropriate support, while contributing to a school environment that promotes positive mental health and wellbeing.
Self-Paced Online Training
The PSP is delivered through an asynchronous digital platform, allowing educators to complete the training at a time and pace that works for them.
Educators can:
✓ Learn at their own pace
✓ Access the training online
✓ Build practical mental health knowledge and skills
✓ Receive support throughout the training
Who Can Participate?
The training is designed for teachers, school-based educators and other school-based staff interested in strengthening their mental health literacy and psychosocial support skills.
Interested in Participating?
We are currently engaging with schools across the Western Cape to explore participation in the PSP training.
Schools interested in participating can contact us to learn more about the programme and implementation process.