Schools across North Wales are set to benefit from new funding aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of pupils.

The Welsh Government has announced more than £1.6 million to roll out additional support in schools over the next three years, with a new programme targeting pupils in Year 5 and Year 7.

The initiative, developed by Anna Freud, will introduce lessons designed to help young people understand their emotions, manage stress, and know where to turn for help. The programme will be delivered by trained school staff as part of the school day.

The investment comes at a time when demand for mental health support among young people continues to rise. It’s estimated that around one in five children in Wales has a diagnosable mental health condition, with schools increasingly becoming a key point of support.

In North Wales, schools and local services have reported growing pressures in recent years. Regional wellbeing surveys and data from school-based counselling services have shown increasing levels of anxiety, low mood, and emotional difficulties among pupils, particularly since the pandemic. Demand for support services such as counselling and CAMHS referrals has also remained high, highlighting the need for early intervention within schools.

The new “Strategies for Safety and Wellbeing” programme was identified as one of the most effective approaches following large-scale trials involving more than 30,000 pupils. It focuses on early support, helping children recognise everyday emotions such as stress and sadness, while building confidence to seek help for themselves or others.

Education Secretary Lynne Neagle said supporting learners’ mental health is essential and described the rollout as an important step in ensuring every child has the tools they need to thrive.

The programme will be introduced in all schools across Wales, including those in North Wales, over the next three years. It builds on the existing “whole-school approach” already in place, which supports the wellbeing of both pupils and staff.

For schools across Conwy and Denbighshire, the funding is expected to strengthen early support, reduce pressure on specialist services, and ensure more young people can access help before problems escalate.