A program helping children with mental health and online bullying has completed its first year.

Barnet’s Resilient Schools Programme is celebrating its first birthday, today at the East Finchley’s Terapia Centre East End Road, Church End.

The celebration hosted by Barnet Council saw from staff from schools and UNICEF attend.

Councillor Caroline Stock, said: “Prevention and early intervention is key to tackling mental health issues in children and young people.

“We are very proud of our approach to building resilience in pupils, staff and parents to ensure we have happy and healthy future generations living in Barnet.”

One in ten young people in the UK have some kind of diagnosable mental health condition – half of which are established before the age of 14.

The program helps young people by using mental health training, practising staying safe and healthy whilst online.

Mumin Humayun, deputy headteacher of Whitefield Secondary School, said: “The process of BRSP has allowed staff to reflect on the emotional and wellbeing needs of our students.

“It provides much needed training and support from external agencies. Which we would otherwise not have.

“As a result, teachers have been encouraged and empowered to build positive relationships with students which support the development of the 'whole child' - including academic and personal wellbeing.”