From Classroom to Boardroom — Transforming How We Understand Mental Health
We deliver trauma-informed, evidence-based training that bridges education and industry — empowering young people, parents, and professionals to create cultures of compassion, resilience, and real support.
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Who We Are
Paths to Potential is a trauma-informed organisation delivering early intervention mental health training and education across Scotland.
From primary school children to construction site managers, our mission is simple: educate, inspire, and create.
We believe prevention is better than crisis. And that starts with equipping people — young and old — with the tools to understand mental health, respond to challenges, and support one another through life’s toughest moments.
What if one conversation could save a life?
It starts with early, trauma-informed training – equipping kids, parents, and workers to listen, respond, and build unbreakable resilience.
Why Mental Health Education Matters
We are in the middle of a youth mental health crisis — and it’s getting worse, not better.
- 1 in 5 children in the UK now show signs of a probable mental health disorder (NHS Digital, 2023)
- 70% of adult mental health conditions begin during childhood or adolescence (Mental Health Foundation)
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for people under 35 in the UK
These aren’t just statistics — they’re warning signs. Behind every number is a child trying to cope with feelings they don’t understand.
Poor mental health now costs UK employers an estimated £56 billion per year (Deloitte, 2024). In sectors like construction, it’s costing lives.
That’s why our work starts early — and includes everyone: children, parents, teachers, carers, youth workers, and employers. We educate. We empower. We make a difference.
I met Simon through the TYLA (Turn your life around Project), when I learned about the challenges he has faced, I was deeply inspired. The obstacles he has overcome, combined with his passion and determination, make him an excellent leader and advocate for mental health.
Simon is exceptionally hardworking and driven, with a profound understanding of mental health that makes him uniquely placed to create real, lasting change. His knowledge and lived experience bring depth and authenticity to his work, and he has a rare ability to connect with people on a meaningful level.
What truly sets Simon apart, though, is his kindness and compassion. It’s this combination of expertise and genuine care that makes his impact so powerful. I’m delighted to be working alongside Simon to develop a bespoke Mental Health First Aid course for our young people and staff team at The WHY Project. His insight and dedication are shaping something that will make a real difference in the lives of the people we work with.
If you’re looking for someone who is not only knowledgeable and skilled but also deeply invested in making a difference, Simon is the person you want on your team. His work isn’t just a profession, it’s a purpose and he is someone you can trust to make a real impact.
Sabrina Tickle – The Why Project
Who And How We Can Help
Mini Medics (Ages 9–13)
Mini Medics is a 3-hour mental health course designed for children aged 9 to 13.
Delivered in a safe, engaging and trauma-aware format, it covers:
- Understanding mental health as part of overall wellbeing
- Talking about feelings and worries
- What affects mental health – from sleep to friendship
- How to help friends and ask for help when needed
It blends games, discussion and age-appropriate visuals to give children confidence, emotional vocabulary, and real tools for resilience.
Because the earlier we start, the stronger they grow.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (Ages 13–17)
Teenagers face pressure from every direction. Our Youth MHFA course gives adults the tools to support them.
In this 1-day accredited course, learners will:
- Recognise signs of distress in young people
- Understand conditions like anxiety, depression and self-harm
- Approach conversations safely and sensitively
- Respond in a crisis and signpost effectively
It’s perfect for parents, teachers, coaches, and youth workers who want to be present, prepared, and confident when it counts most.
Adult Mental Health First Aid
We offer three SCQF-accredited training levels for adults:
🟢 Level 1 (Awareness):
Half-day course introducing mental health concepts, stigma reduction and basic support strategies.
🔵 Level 2 (First Aid):
1-day course covering anxiety, depression, crisis response and referral pathways.
🟣 Level 3 (Supervising):
2-day course for managers and leaders, covering policies, risk assessment, workplace wellbeing, and burnout prevention.
It’s not about being a therapist — it’s about knowing how to listen, respond, and act in moments that matter.
Parents & Carers
Parents and carers are a child’s first line of support — and often the most overwhelmed.
Our tailored workshops and training help you:
- Spot signs of poor mental health
- Build open communication
- Create a safe, stable home environment
- Support your own wellbeing as a caregiver
Because when parents feel equipped and supported, young people thrive.
Mental Health in the Construction Industry
Construction workers are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.
We deliver training directly into this high-risk sector to:
- Break the stigma
- Teach crisis intervention and peer support
- Encourage a culture where speaking up is strength, not weakness
No one should suffer in silence — especially not on the job.
Ready to Create Real Change?
Whether you’re a school, business, local authority, or individual — we’re here to help you take the next step.
Book a course. Request a call. Join the movement.
Let’s educate, inspire, and create — together.