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Further education teachers often express concern that they do not have the knowledge or expertise to meet the needs of learners who experience mental health difficulties. The 'Mental Health Matters for FE Teachers Toolkit' has been developed to address that concern by providing materials that teacher educators, or those providing staff development , can use as part of the training of teachers.

Throughout the Toolkit, activities and learning outcomes are linked to the Workforce Strategy for the Further Education Sector in England which identifies the need to support the professionalisation of the FE sector workforce. This is outlined in Priority 3, Themes 7 and 8:

Priority 3: Retaining and Developing the modern, professionalised workforce

• Theme 7: Professionalising the workforce through relevant training and continuing professional development
• Theme 8: Identifying, planning and delivering the required skills needs of the workforce

Mental Health Matters for FE Teachers is one of many resources developed to meet the aims of NIACE's Mental Health Partnership Programme to improve access to, and success in, learning and skills for people who experience mental health difficulties.

The Toolkit and other resources can be downloaded from www.niace.org.uk/current-work/mhm4fet.

Hard copies of the Toolkit can be obtained from Catina Barrett, Senior Project Officer - Mental Health at NIACE. Please email catina.barrett@niace.org.uk.

For more information about the Workforce Strategy for the Further Education Sector in England visit www.lluk.org/feworkforcestrategy.htm.