Sussex University Launches Mental Health Support Guide for Schools
Why This Matters for Our Local Schools and Colleges
If you’ve got children or work in education across Surrey, Sussex, or Kent, you’ve likely noticed the growing pressure on young people’s mental health. The University of Sussex has just published new guidance that addresses a critical gap: helping school governors actually measure whether their wellbeing programmes are working. For institutions from Guildford to Dorking, from Woking to East Horsley, and across our region, this resource comes at a vital moment. NHS data shows concerning rises in young people presenting at A&E in mental health crises, prompting educators and parents alike to demand better support systems. The guidance, developed in partnership with Health Innovation Kent, Surrey, Sussex, gives governing boards practical tools they’ve been lacking. Many schools already run wellbeing activities, but governors often struggle to answer a fundamental question: is this actually making a difference? Dr Kathryn Lester from Sussex University identified this “significant gap” after researchers found that while good intentions exist, measuring real impact remains elusive. This new framework changes that by embedding mental health support into every aspect of school life, not just isolated activities.
Who This Affects and How Local Leaders Can Act
School governors, senior leadership teams, and staff across our south-east communities are the immediate beneficiaries of this guidance. But the real winners will be students, families, and support staff who’ve been stretched thin managing mental health crises without proper frameworks. Whether you’re involved with a primary school in Horsley, a secondary college in Woking, or an institution elsewhere in our region, this resource is designed for you. The guidance uses the Department for Education’s Whole School and College Approach—a proven framework that weaves mental health into everything from curriculum to physical spaces to staff training. Becca Randell, associate director of Health Innovation Kent, Surrey, Sussex, emphasises that governing boards now have “practical tools to strengthen their oversight.” If you’re a parent or community member, you can encourage your child’s school to engage with these resources. Local governors should request training sessions. Staff members can suggest implementing the framework’s recommendations. The resource was co-designed by governors themselves, meaning it reflects real-world challenges and solutions from institutions like yours.
What Happens Next: Measuring Real Change in Our Community
This guidance represents a shift from activity-based wellbeing to evidence-based impact measurement. For our communities—from Dorking’s growing suburbs to Guildford’s busy centre, from East Horsley to Woking—the next phase involves implementation and accountability. Schools will be expected to monitor whether their approaches actually reduce crisis presentations, improve attendance, or enhance staff retention. The framework encourages governing boards to ask tough questions: Are families seeing benefits? Is staff wellbeing improving? Are vulnerable pupils getting adequate support? Over coming months, watch for your local school announcing new wellbeing initiatives or governance changes. Many institutions will likely launch governors’ training programmes based on this guidance. Some may commission wellbeing audits. Others might establish dedicated oversight committees. As a community member, you can stay informed through your school’s newsletter or governing body meetings. Attend parent consultations and ask about wellbeing metrics. Connect with local support organisations who work alongside schools. The University of Sussex and Health Innovation Kent, Surrey, Sussex are positioning this as a regional movement toward better student mental health outcomes. Our role as residents is to hold institutions accountable while supporting their efforts to create genuinely supportive educational environments.
Source: University of Sussex publishes mental health guidance
