Monday 20th October 2025

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This is how we share information and good practices relating to mental health and wellbeing support in schools and colleges

What's New

NEWS: The AcSEED Newsletter

29th September 2025

AcSEED Newsletter for September 2025

NEWS: AcSEED Youth MH Award

18th July 2025

AcSEED receives Recognised Leader in Youth Mental Health Awareness 2025 Award from Acquisition International.

NEWS: Michael Syddall Accreditation

14th May 2024

Michael Syddall CofE (Aided) Primary School in Richmond, North Yorkshire receive AcSEED Award

NEWS: Sherborne House Accreditation

16th January 2024

Sherborne House School in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire receive AcSEED Award

Matthew's Story

I'm 15 years old and currently still at school. I have been self harming and bulimic since I was 13 but didn't tell anyone until I was 14. There were teachers at my school aware of my mental illnesses but they didn't do anything about it, maybe they didn't know what to do. So I had to go to the school counsellor myself, a decision I found very difficult. She was very caring and never judged me, she just listened. However I had to wait about 3 months until I started seeing her because of the waiting list and the priority of my illness, which was apparently lower than others. This really didn't help things, and made me feel insignificant and like I was just a pain. Once I did get the counselling I found it really helpful, she gave me ways to distract myself and didn't force me to stop straight away but gradually, whilst trying to get me to focus on the support I could get around me. Although I still had to wait sometimes up to 3 weeks until I saw her again.

I think it is so important for teachers to learn about the common mental illnesses teenagers face today, they should have a general idea of the subject and training in how to deal with them. Then they won't judge you or single you out because they find it a difficult subject. It should also be taught to students from year 9 onwards so they know exactly what to do if they or a friend starts to feel any symptoms of mental illnesses and to minimize bullying. This could be done in PSE lessons as part of the syllabus.

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