Hull secures £7.8m for emotional health and well being project for school pupils

Hull was one of 12 local authorities who applied for the money and among six which have been successful. It will receive the funding over the next five years. The HeadStart Hull programme, led by Hull City Council, will look to support young people to tackle issues including bullying, body image and peer pressure, family problems, separation, bereavement and loss. It will also look to support pupils facing pressure of moving up from primary to secondary school.

The programme will be rolled out to Hull schools including primary, secondary and special schools ensuring teachers and support staff have the right skills and tools to help children and young people. It will also work with youth providers across the city to ensure support is consistent across all community services.

Coun Phil Webster, the council’s portfolio holder for learning, skills and safeguarding children, said: “This is fantastic news. We are delighted our bid to improve children and young people’s emotional health in Hull has been successful.

“We are extremely proud of the progress made to date and the valuable work already underway with schools across the city. The HeadStart programme supports Hull’s City Plan delivering early support and intervention to improve health and mitigate critical need and safeguarding the most vulnerable.”

“Mental and emotional health is incredibly important in children’s lives and we know from research that mental illness in young people often develops from aged 14 onwards.”

The programme is being run in partnership with schools, Hull Clinical Commissioning Group, and voluntary sector organisations including Cornerhouse , Child Dynamix and CAMHS, which is aimed at 10 - to 16-year-olds, is designed to help young people have improved emotional health and resilience.