Supporting Children and Young People's Emotional Wellbeing

Look after children’s mental health with interventions that work

Mental health challenges among children and young people are on the rise – and early support can make a lasting difference.

This self-paced course empowers both health and non-health professionals to play a vital role in recognising mental health concerns and responding effectively with practical, supportive strategies.

Guided by the experts at the University of York, you’ll discover support that works and gain the confidence to make a difference over three engaging weeks.

Explore the early-stages of mental health in child development

Begin by exploring the foundations of mental health and emotional wellbeing.

You’ll learn how mental health develops through childhood and adolescence, how to recognise common challenges, and what influences positive and negative outcomes.

By identifying key risk and protective factors, you’ll gain the knowledge to better understand the emotional world of young people – and spot early signs when they may need support.

Recognise signs of distress and know how to respond

Then delve into the behaviours, emotions, and signals that may indicate a young person is experiencing difficulties.

You’ll learn how to open up safe, supportive conversations and adapt your approach based on age, developmental stage, and context.

Through practical strategies, this course will help you feel more confident in listening, responding, and knowing when and how to seek further support.

Incorporate supportive techniques into your mental health practises

Explore how early, non-specialist interventions – rooted in active listening, engagement, and empathy – can promote resilience and improve outcomes.

You’ll walk away with increased confidence, useful resources, and evidence-informed tools to support the mental health and well-being of the children in your care.

This course is for health and social care professionals, parents, and caregivers supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

This course is for health and social care professionals, parents, and caregivers supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

• Explore and define how children’s mental health and wellbeing develops.
• Identify some of the challenges facing children and young people in society today, and the factors that impact their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Explore how you can help identify children and young people who are experiencing challenges with their mental health and wellbeing.
• Develop awareness and skills in developing ways to better support children and young people with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Improve your confidence in finding and using appropriate resources.