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Open University launches free children’s mental health course 

A free online course to support children’s mental health and wellbeing has been launched by the Open University.
Dr Jackie Musgrave points out that it's easy to think children had idyllic childhoods in the past, but - for example - many children experienced the trauma of the Second World War
Dr Jackie Musgrave points out that it's easy to think children had idyllic childhoods in the past, but - for example - many children experienced the trauma of the Second World War

The eight-week course, which focuses on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young children from birth to eight years, is aimed at adults who have an interest, professionally or personally, in the care and education of young children.

It covers a global view of  children’s mental health and wellbeing, whereby an estimated 10 per cent of children suffer from mental health problems.

Dr Jackie Musgrave,
programme lead for early childhood and education studies at the Open University and one of the of authors of the course, said, ‘The course draws on the expertise of professionals who work with young children, including counsellors and psychotherapists and the content has been reviewed by professionals working within the field.

‘Increasingly, very young children and their families are seeking the support of health care professionals because of mental health issues. When I wrote the initial plan for the course two years ago, it was obvious at that time there was a need, and of course, the pandemic has undoubtedly impacted on the wellbeing of babies and young children, making it even more timely.’

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