Support in Schools
Together, we can help break down mental health stigma and create safer spaces in schools for children and young people to talk about their mental health and wellbeing.
Mental health challenges are rising rapidly among children and young people, and schools are often on the front line of support. The latest data highlights the scale and urgency of the issue:
- 1 in 5 children aged 7–16 are now likely to have a diagnosable mental health disorder. A 62% increase in just five years (NHS Digital).
- That equates to around five pupils in every classroom struggling with their mental health.
- Hospital admissions for eating disorders in under-18s have more than doubled since 2017, with over 11,000 admissions in the past year alone.
- 35% of young people say they worry about their body image often or always, a major risk factor for low self-esteem, anxiety, and disordered eating.
At First Steps ED, we work with schools to:
- Break down stigma and promote open conversations around mental health and body image
- Deliver tailored workshops for pupils and training for teachers and pastoral staff
- Provide practical resources and guidance for families
Together, we can build safer, more supportive school environments where every young person feels seen, heard, and supported.
What is Support in Schools?
At First Steps ED, we work with schools to support the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and staff alike. Our specialist-led workshops and training sessions are designed to promote healthy body image, build self-esteem, and improve understanding of eating disorders, creating a safer, more informed school environment.
Workshops for Pupils
We deliver Body Image and Self-Esteem Workshops to children and young people in both primary and secondary school settings.
Our interactive, age-appropriate sessions explore:
- How we see our external and internal selves
- What influences self-esteem and body image
- The impact of media, peer pressure and self-talk
- How to build healthier self-perception and confidence
- Strategies to support emotional wellbeing
Workshops are tailored by key stage and delivered sensitively by our Children and Young People Specialist Team. These sessions aim to open up honest conversations and equip pupils with tools to support their own wellbeing and that of their peers. Each session includes practical resources, real-world examples, and time for discussion and questions.
Teacher & Staff Support: CPD Training
We offer a suite of CPD-accredited training sessions to help teachers, support staff, and safeguarding leads feel more confident in identifying and supporting pupils with eating difficulties and poor body image.
Available CPD topics include:
- Introduction to Eating Disorders
Understand the signs, symptoms and behaviours associated with eating difficulties and explore early intervention strategies for the school setting. - Body Image and Perception
Gain insight into how young people form their body image, the risk factors for negative body perception, and how to promote a more body-positive school culture. - Eating Disorders in Boys and Men
Developed in partnership with the University of Nottingham and King’s College London, this workshop highlights the often-overlooked experiences of boys and men with eating disorders, and how schools can support them more effectively.
Access to our Support in Schools depends on your location, some areas are funded and free to access, while others are cost £195 per session.
You can find out whether our service is funded or private by contacting us. Call us: 0300 1021685|info@firststepsed.co.uk
School workshops are available face-to-face or online, depending on location and what works best for you.
Tailored to Key Stage
All workshops are designed and adapted to suit the age group and learning level of your pupils, from upper primary through to sixth form.
Delivered by Specialists
Sessions are led by trained professionals from our Children and Young People team, with experience in eating disorders, youth mental health, and safeguarding.
Safe and Sensitive Delivery
We approach these topics with care and compassion, creating a supportive environment that encourages participation without triggering distress.
Interactive and Inclusive
Our workshops include group discussion, reflection activities, and media examples to engage pupils and accommodate different learning styles.
Whole-School Benefit:
Our work doesn’t just support pupils, we also provide resources and signposting for staff and families to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Repton School
HUGE thanks to you and your team for coming to Repton today. The workshop was excellent and pitched at just the right level. It was also thought-provoking and provided a very useful platform for discussion. It was very good to have a combination of pupil interaction, explanation and video. Thank you so much for all the work that had gone into preparing it – it really was much appreciated.
Next Steps
If you would like to find out more about our workshops, CPD or how we can support your school, please complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
