SCHOOL nurses are providing more support to youngsters dealing with alcohol and drug abuse, self-harming and mental health issues.

As part of School Nurse Week which starts on Monday, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust is highlighting the role the school nurse plays in students' health with research showing there is a direct link between the health and wellbeing of young people and educational attainment.

Cheryl Forrest, service manager at Lancashire Care, said: “There is a perception that the only thing that school nurses do is line schoolchildren up to check for nits and give jabs out.

"That might have been the case a few decades ago, but it’s not the case anymore.

"School nurses are highly skilled professionals that provide young people with support in dealing with a range of issues that include mental health, alcohol abuse, self-harming, drugs, healthy eating, bullying and relationships.

"There is a direct link in pupil health and wellbeing and educational attainment – school nurses play a pivotal role in helping young people stay healthy.

"Our school nurses take great pride in making a difference in the lives of young people and help young people make healthy choices and keep themselves safe in a caring, non-judgemental and confidential way.

"We’re extremely proud of our school nurses and their dedication to providing high quality care to children and young people.”

Lancashire Care also provides a school nurse messaging service that enables children and young people between the ages of 11 and 19 to confidentially contact a school nurse for advice and support.

In Lancashire they can be contacted on 07507 330510 and in Blackburn with Darwen on 07507 330509 from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.