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Young people spend as much as a third of their lives in a school or other educational institution. The environments and relationships that young people encounter at school, or in sports teams and youth groups have a massive effect on their mental well being. And the adults who deal with them – teachers, sports coaches, youth leaders – are also in a powerful position to  help spot problems, and guide young people to the help they need.

Preventing problems

Teachers, schools and other youth organisations promote emotional and social well being by creating a supportive environment and teaching their students life skills, such as problem solving and communication. Promoting mental health is also a form of prevention, as it can reduce the number of people who develop a mental health problem or illness.

Taking action when it's needed

Intervention refers to more specific action, such as seeking help for an individual, or introducing a programme for a group of people. Early Intervention means picking up early signs of a mental health problem and providing support before the situation worsens. For example, a teacher may become concerned about a student's emotional well being and refer them to a school counsellor.

The term intervention is also used about other mental health programmes, some of which may be offered through schools. A universal intervention promotes the mental health of everyone, such as a whole school programme to prevent bullying.

A selective intervention aims to prevent mental health problems in a particular group which may be at risk - for example, a support programme for people who have experienced bullying. An indicated intervention is about helping people who are showing early signs of a mental health problem, such as a programme for young people with behaviour problems, for example, anger.