A Hexham school has been given an award for its mental health work.

Queen Elizabeth High School achieved the School Mental Health Award, delivered by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, and received a silver standard for its mental health and wellbeing provision.

The school offers numerous activities to enhance the wellbeing of pupils and staff, such as one-on-one mentor support, wellbeing group work, access to counsellors, and external services.

Students are educated about caring for their mental health, receiving core messages about self-care through lessons, assemblies and promotional materials around school.

In addition to this, the school has provided youth mental health first aid for parents and staff, which has led to parents forming their own support group.

Primary mental health workers have also attended parents' evenings to help break down stigmas and misconceptions about mental health.

Further demonstrating their commitment to the cause, Queen Elizabeth High School recently hired a family liaison officer and even have a school dog, Arlo, who provides a comforting presence for students in need.

Neil Seaton, head of school, said: "I am extremely proud of the work that our student support team have done to promote awareness of mental health.

"We have worked hard as a school to destigmatise issues around mental illness as well as promote how to look after your emotional wellbeing.

"Our students and staff are open about their mental health, seek the support required and understand that looking after our emotional health is as important as our physical health.

"This helps students attend school, maintain relationships and enjoy the successes they deserve."

Since its establishment in 2017 by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools and social enterprise Minds Ahead, the award is intended to make a positive impact at all levels of the education system, thereby improving students' outcomes and life chances.

More than 1,400 schools have taken part in the award programme so far.

Rachel C. Boyle, dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, said: "The achievement of the Mental Health award is a demonstration of the school's significant commitment to improving children's and staff’s mental health and wellbeing.

"This award is one that all staff can truly be proud of."

Dean Johnstone, founder and CEO of Minds Ahead said: "This award shines a light on the excellent work schools are doing to promote mental health for their community of children and adults.

"It is thrilling and humbling to learn about Queen Elizabeth High School and the many other schools engaged in the quality award process.

"I’d like to offer my congratulations on this deserved recognition."