This course is designed to offer participants an understanding of factors underpinning EBSA together with why autistic children and young people who experience EBSA might be at particular risk. It has been developed by members of the ASD Outreach and Educational Psychology Services and includes the sharing of theoretical information together with discussion and hands-on activities. The course will explore evidence-based approaches and interventions in relation to EBSA and how these can be used with a range of children and young people, including those who are autistic. In addition to sharing school-based strategies, an aim of the course is to equip participants with an understanding of how authentic, impactful home-school collaborations can be developed and how these can represent the platform for effective intervention. 

Those who have participated in the course found the following particularly helpful:

• Thinking about the wider context of EBSA and why autistic pupils might be at more risk
• Listening to professionals who have knowledge and experience of supporting pupils experiencing EBSA
• Understanding risk and resilience factors around EBSA
• The focus on transition points and how best to support pupils at these times 

Schools will:

• benefit from staff participating in the training so they are equipped to share knowledge and understanding, so facilitating a shared approach to supporting children and young people (CYP) who experience EBSA, particularly autistic CYP within the school.

Pupils will:

• benefit from staff supporting them at school gaining knowledge and understanding of EBSA, and why autistic CYP might be at particular risk.
• benefit from staff being more equipped to offer effective support and understand the importance of their voice and collaboration with key people in their lives informing this support. 

Anybody who is involved in supporting children and young people who experience EBSA. Together with members of staff based within education settings, this includes members of services supporting schools and/or children and young people (e.g., Outreach services, Attendance and Advisory service, Educational Psychology, School Counsellors etc.)

A day to:

• Explore the particular mental health needs most commonly linked to children with an ASD
• Explore current research in this area, including more vulnerable groups of children
• Provide participants with resources and strategies to use with this group of students
• Inform staff how to signpost students/families to external support

Pupils will:

• have staff supporting them who can understand and support their mental health needs

Staff will:

• be confident to manage Mental Health needs in students with an ASD, and have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience and a range of strategies and resources to draw upon

Schools will:

• have skilled staff to support this group of students, and signpost to other agencies as appropriate

SENCOs/Teachers, Teaching Assistants, and other professionals supporting children with an ASD and mental health related needs

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a practical skills and awareness course that teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.  MHFA won’t teach you to be a therapist, but it will teach you to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis.

You will: 

• learn to recognise warning signs of mental ill-health, and develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone while keeping yourself safe
• learn how to empower someone to access the support they might need for recovery 
• gain an understanding of how to support positive wellbeing and tackle stigma in the world around you

This course is certified by MHFA England.

Practitioners will gain:

• a deeper understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect people’s wellbeing, including your own
• practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
• confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
• enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening
• knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to appropriate support

For those wanting to be a Mental Health First Aider within their workplace