A LAUNCESTON school has teamed up with the NHS to provide new specialist support to students, parents and staff.

Launceston College has announced a new partnership with the NHS Mental Health Support Team in an effort to provide support and advice to those in and around the school community.

The partnership builds on work already carried out by the team with some local primary schools and will see clinical supervisor and education mental health practitioner, Katie Thick, working with the college community throughout the year.

The NHS Mental Health Support Team provides specialist early intervention for low to moderate mental health concerns, as well as training and advice for staff and parents.

Students can access support in a number of ways, including one-to-one or small-group sessions, as well as whole-class work and assemblies.

The team will also provide training for staff and parents, covering areas including anxiety, self-confidence and resilience with the aim of helping students, families and staff develop shared approaches and practical strategies for supporting young people’s mental health.

Linda Blackburn, head of school at Launceston College, said: “We are really pleased to be working with the NHS Mental Health Support Team this year. Having Katie working alongside our college community will give students, parents and staff access to additional advice and support, while helping us develop a shared approach to supporting young people’s mental health.”

Katie Thick, clinical supervisor and education mental health practitioner at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Launceston College community and getting to know the students, staff and families over the coming year.

“I work with young people who may be experiencing big emotions or finding things difficult, helping them to understand what they are feeling and develop ways to manage it.”