How MHFA-Informed Peer Support Can Help LGBTQI+ Students Feel Safer In Schools
When an LGBTQI+ student opens up to a peer, it can be a moment of deep courage and care. But without the right support in place, these moments can also become overwhelming.
This article explores how schools can build safe, sustainable peer support programmes using Mental Health First Aid principles, creating a culture where empathy is protected by structure.
Supporting LGBTQI+ Students Starts with Listening: MHFA Strategies for Schools
For many LGBTQI+ students, sharing their identity at school is an act of courage that may come with emotional risk.
In these moments, how we respond can make a lasting difference. This article, grounded in the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) approach, explores how listening without judgement can become a powerful act of inclusion. Through practical strategies, real-life examples and research-informed guidance, educators are invited to see listening not just as a skill, but as a form of care that protects, affirms and empowers.
Feel-Good Wellness vs Real Mental Health Support: Know the Difference
Are your initiatives truly supporting staff wellbeing, or merely masking deeper issues?
Learn the key differences between superficial feel-good strategies and effective, evidence-based mental health interventions that create sustainable change.
What to Say (and Not Say) to a Student Who’s Having a Hard Time — A Teacher’s Guide
How do you start a conversation with a student who’s not quite themselves — without making it awkward or overwhelming?
This teacher-friendly guide breaks it down into five calm, actionable steps you can use right away — no scripts, no pressure, no guesswork.
6 Things That Actually Improve Well-being in Schools (and One Thing That Completely Destroys It)
What actually improves student wellbeing?
It’s not another awareness week or a mindfulness colouring sheet. From peer-led programs to trusted adults and tech-free spaces, this evidence-backed guide breaks down six strategies that truly support mental health in schools — plus the one mistake that silently destroys it all.
Why Every School Leader Should Be Trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Here’s why Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is essential for school leaders, especially in international schools across Europe. Learn how it supports well-being, leadership, and whole-school culture.
Navigating Youth Mental Health Support in Germany: A Guide for English-Speaking Families
Finding youth mental health support in Germany can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re navigating it in English. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or young person yourself, this practical guide offers clear, accessible steps to help you find the right support, from crisis lines to long-term care.
Mental Health First Aid: The Little Things Can Matter Most
When a quiet new student started slipping through the cracks, it wasn’t a big intervention that made the difference - it was one small conversation.
In international schools, where transitions are constant and emotional struggles often go unnoticed, learning to recognise and respond to the early signs of distress can change everything.