A DEDICATED teacher is flying to another country to find out new techniques of helping young people with mental health disorders.

Vronwyn Hutch, from Activate Learning in Bracknell and Wokingham, will be attending a mental health support programme in Finland on March 17.

The aim is to learn new approaches for mental health support from a range of national experts and teachers.

Vronwyn Hutch, a special educational needs coordinator from Bracknell and Wokingham College, said: "I wanted to further my own understanding of the issues affecting mental health with the support of European colleagues.

"The intention is then to collaborate with staff to improve and develop the service for learners within Activate Learning."

A group of 14 delegates will stay in Oulu, the city of Northern Finland, for three days and will attend a one-day joint peer learning conference, which includes case study presentations and round table discussions.

Statistics from the Association of Colleges in 2017, found nearly three quarters of colleges had to refer students to hospital A&E departments due to an urgent mental health incident.

Colleges across England are seeing an increase in the number of students experiencing mental health difficulties.

This can have an impact on learning, development in their studies, making friendships and future careers.

Activate Learning at Bracknell and Wokingham College has developed a mental health strategy across its group of colleges to include more student information campaigns, better resources for teachers, support projects and staff training.

Vronwyn added: "I am excited to be part of a project which also has the potential to inform future work within the realm of mental health and well-being at a national level.

"Continuing professional development opportunities and the chance to share practice and innovation in the support of young peoples' mental health is essential."

After the project is complete, the learning techniques will be shared with the Department for Education, Health, the Home Office and The Education and Training Foundation to help inform future national strategies and identify training needs in young peoples mental health.