Mental health first aid is as important as physical first aid

Mental health issues among young people are at record high levels. According to the NHS, one in six in every classroom in England is struggling with a probable mental health condition.

But young people themselves can be part of the solution. St John Ambulance recently published research that found young people aged 10-17 wanted mental health first aid to be taught in schools.

It was St John Ambulance that successfully campaigned for physical first aid to be taught in schools, and as a result lifesaving skills were added to the curriculum in 2020. Now it’s clear that mental health first aid skills are a necessary additional component.