Supporting mental health in education with Beyond!

World Mental Health Day presents a vital opportunity to reflect on the mental health challenges faced by young people across the globe, especially within educational environments. In partnership with the charity Beyond, Bett is proud to highlight the ways we can make a real difference in the mental well-being of students. Beyond, a small yet powerful charity, is dedicated to tackling the growing mental health crisis affecting young people in the UK, providing schools and educators with much-needed support.

A small charity making a big impact

At the heart of this youth mental health initiative is Louisa Rose, CEO of Beyond, who joined the charity as a volunteer during the pandemic. What first started as a small initiative, soon evolved? into a national organisation that supports millions of young people. Beyond’s strength lies in its ability to remain agile and responsive, scaling its efforts across the UK to meet the mental health needs of young people.

"We are small but mighty," Louisa explained. "Our size allows us to remain flexible and adaptable, which is critical when addressing the mental health crisis that demands innovation in a system that can be quite rigid."

This adaptability has been key to Beyond’s rapid growth, enabling them to deliver nationwide programmes that meet the needs of young people in schools from the Shetland Islands to the southernmost parts of the UK. By offering mental health resources, the charity ensures that even schools in the most remote regions are not left behind.

Youth-driven solutions

What sets Beyond apart from other organisations is its Youth Board, which is made up of young people aged 10-25. These young voices are at the heart of their mission, helping to plan and co-design all of the charity’s work. Louisa shared how the Youth Board ensures that the charity's initiatives are directly aligned with the needs and experiences of those who are most affected by mental health challenges. By maintaining a youth-driven focus, Beyond is able to develop and deliver projects that truly resonate with the young minds of today.?

"Our trustees listen to the Youth Board. They drive our work because they understand what their peers are going through - whether they’re currently struggling or have done so in the past."

Tackling the crisis in schools

Beyond is not just about raising awareness; it's about delivering actionable support that educators and students can rely on. Since 2021, Beyond has been developing a mental health support ecosystem for schools, ranging from preventative measures through education, all the way to intervention for those in crisis.

One of their flagship programmes is the Now and Beyond Festival, a national online event that provides free mental health resources to schools. This festival is an essential platform that connects the education sector with mental health resources that are often hidden behind paywalls or buried deep in internet searches. Schools can access lesson plans, book workshops with mental health professionals or join live content sessions throughout the day.

"We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel," Louisa explained. "We’re making vital resources accessible to educators who don’t have the time or capacity to search for them. This way, we can equip teachers with the tools they need to support students in ways they haven’t been trained for."

Empowering teachers and students alike

Beyond’s role extends far beyond student support, focusing on empowering educators as well. By offering ready-made lesson plans, workshops and live sessions, the charity equips teachers with the tools to navigate sensitive issues such as self-harm, anxiety, and depression in a thoughtful, age-appropriate manner.

A key strength of Beyond is its ability to engage a diverse range of schools, from primary institutions to colleges, ensuring that mental health support reaches students at every stage of their education. This is increasingly vital as the youth mental health crisis grows, impacting students' ability to thrive both academically and personally.

"Our programmes are designed to meet the unique needs of schools, whether in rural or urban areas, so teachers feel confident tackling these important conversations," Louisa explained.

Looking ahead…

As Bett and Beyond come together in partnership for World Mental Health Day, there is a shared belief that education and mental health must go hand-in-hand. Bett and Beyond are united in their goal to create lasting change in the way mental health is approached within schools.

This World Mental Health Day, we encourage educators, policymakers and solution providers to explore Beyond’s resources and make mental health a priority within their institutions. Mental health support is not a luxury but a necessity, and with organisations like Beyond leading the charge, we can ensure that every young person has the tools they need to thrive, both in school and in life.

To learn more about Beyond and access their free resources, visit their website here and join the movement to make mental health a cornerstone of education.