Charity holds training session for teachers to spot depression
Concern is being expressed about the pressures on teachers to spot signs of depression amongst their students.
Bereavement charity Console is holding a training session today aimed at giving teachers tools to spot signs of pupils who may be in distress and who may be considering taking their own lives.
The organisation said the reduction in the number of guidance counsellors across the country means teachers now have added responsibilities in student welfare, but may not have the confidence or training to deal with these issues.
"From what we hear, we know that this puts added pressure on teachers … while this training doesn't claim to teach anyone to be a counsellor, it does give them a little more confidence," said Kieran Austin, Director of Services with Console.
"Situations can be handled with a little bit more understanding, compassion, and empathy - and hopefully with a little bit more positive result."
