It was great to welcome former student Lily Spendlove into college yesterday. Lily delivered a mental health training session for the students who will be taking part in the #Let’sChat drop-ins.

Lily is the Chairperson of The Lee Cooper Foundation, which is a mental health foundation for young people. TLCF was created 2018 after Lily’s best friend, Lee Thornley, sadly took his own life. Losing Lee highlighted the insufficient mental health services in Knowsley and the surrounding areas.

Each week The Lee Cooper Foundation hosts a weekly drop-in session which provides young people with a safe space where they can discuss any worries or concerns. The Foundation works towards removing the stigma surrounding mental health as well as encouraging other organisations to support them.

Yesterday we held the first of several first training sessions in college which will help our students be able to confidently help others. Topics will include safeguarding, mental health first aid, coping methods, suicide prevention, signposting and much more. The training will ensure that the students taking part know where and how to access support, whether that be through college, The Lee Cooper Foundation or other external organisations.

For more information visit: The Lee Cooper Foundation

Contact: theleecooperfoundation@gmail.com