Schools in Falmouth and Truro are to be given mental health support teams to help students in need.

The two areas are part of the second wave of schools and colleges to get mental health support teams.

These will provide a link with mental health services for young people out in the community, helping ensure more pupils get help and support when they need it.

Staff will also be given priority access to mental health training next year.

The government has set aside £9.3 million to provide workshops where teachers in schools and colleges can work with NHS professionals.

They will be given advice on how to raise awareness of mental health concerns and improve the amount of referrals be made to specialist help when needed.

All schools in the country will be given access to training over the next four years.

Sarah Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth, said: “Bringing school and college staff into the same room as NHS professionals, and encouraging them to work together, will ensure more pupils get the right support at the right time.

“With half of all lifetime cases of mental health disorders beginning by the age of 14, bridging the gap between education and NHS services is vital if we are to ensure all children get the best possible start in life."

It is the latest in a series of initiatives being introduced by the government to support young people with their mental health, with an additional £1.4 billion investment promised.

From next year all students are to receive receive mandatory health education lessons, teaching them the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, what determines their physical health and how to build mental resilience and wellbeing.

The aim is to also make sure children and young people learn how to recognise when they and others are struggling with mental health and how to respond.