Mental Health Support Boost in Newham Schools

Young people in Newham are benefiting from a major new investment as the Mayor of London announces £810,000 to strengthen mental health support in schools across the capital. The programme, delivered in partnership with leading children’s mental health charity Anna Freud, will reach up to 15,000 pupils in 16 London secondary schools.

NHS figures show that referrals to children’s mental health services have more than doubled since before the pandemic, and many young people say they haven’t received enough education on coping with stress, anxiety or low mood. In a borough as vibrant and diverse as Newham – and one with a young population – access to early support can make a huge difference.

The Mayor’s investment focuses on taking a whole‑school approach to wellbeing, making mental health a part of everyday school life, not an add‑on. Newham schools involved in the programme will have support to introduce things like stress‑management lessons, wellbeing weeks, peer‑support groups, parent workshops, and dedicated mental health training for teachers and support staff.

By equipping schools with the tools they need, the programme aims to help young people feel understood, supported, and able to thrive. Crucially, it will also create a model that can be shared with other London schools ahead of the planned rollout of Mental Health Support Teams by 2030.

With this new funding, Newham is helping lead the way in making sure every young Londoner grows up in a school that supports not just their education, but their overall wellbeing.