A CHARITY launched following the death of an Accrington teenager has called for mental wellbeing to be taught as part of the national curriculum.

Lauren’s Place was launched to give youngsters suffering from mental illnesses help and advice after 17-year-old student Lauren Johnson jumped to her death from the top of Accrington’s Arndale Centre last June.

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Her mum Dawn said she now plans to lobby the government.

She said: “The government acknowledged they did need wellbeing in schools and it was proposed, but the plans were shelved.

“When people are young they are taught about healthy food and how to exercise, but they are never taught about mental health and about protecting it.

“It’s really difficult for parents to pick things up and it’s important they don’t beat themselves up when something happens.

“It’s really hard and we have to find that balance and ask if they are being a typical teen or whether they are depressed.

“We need to look at our children holistically and make sure they are happy, and not see them as stats.”

Although national guidelines say head teachers, governors and teachers “should demonstrate a commitment to the social and emotional wellbeing of young people”, it is not part of the national curriculum, or what must be taught at local authority-controlled schools.

Earlier this month, a report released by the National Union of Teachers said the stress of exams is damaging youngsters’ health.

The report, by Professor Merryn Hutchings, said: “The social and emotional health and development of children and young people should be a key priority.”