Transforming the way teachers and tutors working in schools and colleges support and encourage their students

The Active IQ Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness is set to transform the way teachers and tutors working in schools and colleges support and encourage their students.

The timing couldn’t be better for this qualification according to educational specialist Vanessa Rhymes from DMV Fitness Training who works primarily with learners aged 16-19:

In order for students to fulfil their potential, we must understand how they are feeling.

Having worked in education for over 20 years, I have seen many instances where mental health concerns have had the potential to de-rail a student. 

At least 50% of my role is now supporting learners’ mental health in order for them to achieve what they can and I believe this new Mental Health Awareness award will prove very valuable in supporting teachers, tutors, head teachers and college heads.

As a sports teacher, many of my students want to be personal trainers and I recognize that mental health awareness is key to their development professionally as well as personally.

A trained counsellor, I have seen many students struggle with anxiety, depression and eating disorders, the key to success is to bring these issues out in the open.

Recognising who needs our help and being open and supportive about issues in the classroom, staff room and workplace are crucial. 

However, many colleagues simply don’t have the knowledge to spot the early signs or the confidence to approach students and offer support. The Active IQ Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness is a great step forwards for our sector as it will help teachers and tutors recognise mental ill-health symptoms and know what next steps to take.

The first aid module is just genius.  This is no ‘tick box’ exercise – you have to get involved, take note, learn and be aware.  It’s very relevant to real-life situations you’re likely to encounter and enables people to not be afraid to have that conversation with someone experiencing mental ill-health.

I highly rate the assessments and accreditation of the award that have a tangible value for staff.  The comprehensive Active IQ support resources also lend weight and authority to the training, with the manuals providing a thorough grounding for learners to read, research and consider before attending the training.

Having these materials ahead of time enables people to think in advance, consider situations and really make the most of the face-to-face sessions.

The training sessions and webinars were enlightening and delivered very professionally.  The course covers so much that people need to learn if they are to tackle mental ill-health with understanding, empathy and skill. 

In my view, every school and college should have their staff trained in mental health awareness and mental health first aid.  This course is highly accessible and the pricing is good: where previously perhaps mental health awareness training was too costly, the Active IQ qualification brings it within reach.

Vanessa Rhymes, Educational Specialist, DMV Fitness Training