Schools Mental Health Consultant
Passionate about helping schools deliver support for young people
Welcome
Hello! I’m Rachel Chilver, an experienced mental health lead in schools who is passionate about supporting young people to thrive and fulfil their potential. With almost 20 years experience in the education sector, I understand the day-to-day demands of working in schools and provide support to leaders in developing and delivering mental health and well-being provision.
- Qualified Teacher
- Senior Mental Health Lead
- DSL trained
- Counselling Diploma
Young people and their mental health
Multiple factors affect teenage well-being. The more risk factors adolescents are exposed to, the greater the potential impact on their mental health, and statistics demonstrate that over half of mental ill-health starts by the age 15 and 75% develops by the age 18.
The covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the well-being of young people and schools are continuing to struggle to address the challenges that arose with the pandemic. A significant rise in anxiety, depression and self-harm in teenagers is now reported nationally and these struggles are impacting attendance levels and attainment, as well as the young people’s overall life fulfilment.
In schools, we are in a prime position to teach our students the importance of looking after their well-being; helping them to develop character, building healthy relationships throughout their lives and introducing them to positive values that will underpin their choices as both teenagers and adults.
How I help schools
Schools are incredibly busy and challenging environments and leaders have demanding roles and responsibilities. My aim is to lighten the burden to help deliver the much needed impact around pupil mental health by creating strategic approaches that support students' well-being. Strategic planning, monitored provision and integrated well-being programmes are great ways to ensure young people are equipped to overcome the many barriers they face and become resilient learners with positive aspirations for their future ahead.
Schools are seeing an increase in the number of students struggling with their mental health but are not sure how to start helping them, or don't have the capacity to develop provision. I work with educators to establish the best way forward for their own unique setting; to help evaluate need, identify opportunities and create sustainable approaches that deliver the impact pupils need.
Services
- Mental health and well-being audit
- Strategic action planning
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Staff development and support
- Staff supervision
- Student well-being programmes
- Train-the-trainer
- Workshops/Assemblies/PSHE
- Family and community events