Mental Health and Wellbeing
Throughout the school year, each class will be taking part in mental health class sessions. These are held on notable days, including; World Mental Health Day, Time to Talk Day and World Autism Awareness Day.
While each session has a focus, many of these sessions are informed by SMILE – an idea based on the NHS Five Steps to Wellbeing. Each letter of SMILE outlines an area that is important for wellbeing: socialise, move, interest, learn, and engage. SMILE posters can be found around the school and in each classroom as a reminder to our students. Within these sessions, we explore how each of these areas can positively impact our mental health, whilst allowing students to find the activity most suited to their own preferences and abilities.
Through these targeted sessions we aim to help our students to better understand their emotions and to provide them with strategies to improve their mental health and wellbeing in future.
For students who would benefit from additional mental health support, weekly 1:1 sessions are offered and can target areas such as anger, emotional regulation and self-esteem. These sessions can be tailored to each individual pupil and are reviewed termly.
Helpful Links for Parents and Guardians
Anna Freud Centre
Website: www.annafreud.org
Phone: 0207 794 2313
Email: info@annafreud.org
The Anna Freud Centre is a children’s mental health charity providing specialist help and training.
Childline
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Phone: 0800 1111
Childline is a free and confidential counselling service available to parents, children and young people.
Mind
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (weekdays 9-5)
Text: 86463
Email: info@mind.org
Mind is a mental health charity offering a range of materials about mental health. It also provides details of local Mind Associations.
NHS Choices
Website: www.nhs.uk
Phone: 111
The NHS Choices website provides information and advice about all aspects of health. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
YoungMinds
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
Phone: 0808 802 5544 (weekdays 9:30-4)
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.
YoungMinds Parents’ Helpline
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-helpline
Phone: 0808 802 5544 (weekdays 9:30-4)
Email: parents@youngminds.org.uk
YoungMinds Parent’s Helpline offers free confidential support to any adult worried about the emotional wellbeing, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person.
