Legal News

Kingston and Richmond Councils’ social enterprise company Achieving for Children (AfC) has held a mental health conference for year nine and ten pupils across Kingston, in partnership with Kingston Public Health.

Children from six schools took part and the first topic on the agenda was stress, led by two boys from Coombe Boys’ School.

The pupils used creative, visual aids on how to tackle the subject of stress and the variety of ways it impacts on people's lives. Coping mechanisms were also identified, such as talking to someone, listening to music and playing sport.

A discussion was led by two psychologists from the Emotional Health Service, defining what mental health actually is, including the warning signs of mental ill health, as well as obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety and depression.

The stigma of mental health was also raised, with a peer learning exercise carried out where pupils from different schools learned how to champion mental health within their schools.

Schools taking part were Chessington Community College, Coombe Boys’ School, The Holy Cross School, The Hollyfield School, Southborough High School – and conference hosts, Tolworth Girls' School.

The council said feedback on the conference was “very positive”, with one student commenting that it was “useful to understand mental health issues to a greater extent”.

Another student praised the presenters as “really good at motivating us to educate others at school about mental health”.

A Young People’s Health Link Worker from Public Health at the Royal Borough of Kingston said that it had been “good to see the students motivated and working together. They are really excited about learning new things and taking ideas back to their school,” they added.

The pupils from each school developed a mental health action plan, which explains their actions and commitment to helping their peers at school. They will now act as ambassadors for mental health and teach other pupils about what they learned at the conference.

Kingston’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for AfC Commissioning at Kingston Council, Councillor Eric Humphrey, praised the conference as
“an excellent way to prevent mental health problems in children by increasing their awareness of services, encouraging them to seek help early, as well as supporting them to promote this message in their schools”.

Cllr Humphrey added:
“It has been shown that by identifying mental illness in its initial stages can lead to successful interventions and outcomes for those suffering with this highly debilitating condition.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s leading provider of Legal Aid mental health services – and can advise mental health patients on their rights under the Mental Health Act, as well as access to NHS services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on issues such as treatment reviews, where appropriate.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our mental health lawyers are available at short notice for appointments at police stations and hospitals across the country.

For expert legal advice on UK mental health law, call Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors on 0333 772 0409.