Scout leaders master first aid skills... in mental health

Saturday 09 February 2019

Scouts might be known for their first aid skills - but now they're expanding that know-how to mental health in response to growing difficulties among young people.

Three scout leaders have just completed specialist training so that they can better support the young people in their groups, thanks to funding from the International Stock Exchange.

These courses are provided by Mind Jersey and lead by Liz Kendrick-Lodge, who is a Service Development Manager and Amy Hall who is a Youth Participation Worker and Mental Health First Aider.

Ms Kendrick-Lodge said that Mind Jersey is striving towards "embedding the principals of prevention and early intervention across all youth settings so that mental health first aid is available to all children and young people who need it."

 So far, two out of the three scout leaders have already received their training and the third is expected to undertake their session sometime at the beginning of this year. 

Pictured - left to right: Philippe Huelin and Beverley Colley after completing their training.

Among the scout leaders to have completed their training was Beverley Colley, the Deputy Island Commissioner and Programmes and County Explorer Scout Commissioner at the Jersey Scout Association.

She said that she had seen an increase in mental health issues over her 12 years as a leader and as she had not previously received training in dealing with mental health issues she "always felt unprepared" when she was approached by members of her group that were struggling.

But now, having participated in the course, she said: "I feel better prepared and able to help support our young people."

Philippe Huelin, Troop Assistant at the Jersey Scout Association, also attended the course.

He commented: "I found the youth mental health first aid training course really helpful. It’s one thing knowing a bit about common mental health problems but quite another to have the skills and confidence to support someone who may be struggling."