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Wellbeing and Mental Health

Wellbeing and Mental Health:

At St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we are dedicated to supporting all our children and their families. We are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. We all experience life challenges which make us vulnerable and we accept that additional emotional support is therefore required at some time in life.  We take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play.  

 At our school we:

  •          help children to understand their emotions and feelings better
  •          help children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries
  •          assist children socially in forming and maintaining healthy relationships
  •          promote self-esteem and  encourage children to be confident
  •          ensure children know that they make a difference and that they are valued
  •          help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks 

We offer different levels of support:

Universal Support- To meet the needs of all our pupils through our overall ethos, Mission Statement, Gospel Values and Virtues and our wider curriculum. For instance, developing resilience for all.

Additional Support- For those who may have short term needs and those who may have been made vulnerable by life experiences such as bereavement through Penhaligan’s Friends.

Targeted Support- For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions such as TIS support. 

Lead staff members:

Designated Mental Health Lead: Mrs Sarah Shailes
 

Recommended sources of support and advice:

 

Early Help Hub http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/earlyhelphub Telephone: 01872 01872 322277

CAMHS is used as a term for all services that work with children and young people who have difficulties with their emotional or behavioural wellbeing. Children and young

people may need help with a wide range of issues at different points in their lives. Parents and carers may also need help and advice to deal with behavioural or other problems their child is experiencing. Parents, carers and young people can receive direct support through CAMHS.

Telephone: 01872 322277 http://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/services/childrens-services/camhs/

 

Outlook:) SOUTH WEST

Psychological therapy services for people aged 16 and above in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. If you are registered with a GP practice in Cornwall, you can access the NHS-funded therapies for mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression.

outlook:) SOUTH WEST can help with difficulties such as: stress, low mood, worry, anger, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Telephone: 01208 871414

E-mail: enq@outlooksw.co.uk

http://www.outlooksw.co.uk/ Young Minds

Young Minds is charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. They undertake campaigns and research, make resources available to professionals (including teachers) and run a helpline for adults worried about the

emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of anyone up to the age of 25.

Parents Helpline – 0808 802 5544 http://www.youngminds.org.uk/

The NSPCC are offering support and advice if you feel your child is struggling with their mental health and anxiety due to the coronavirus. More information and advice can be found on their website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk

Young Minds – https://youngminds.org.uk/

Mental health is all about feelings, emotions, thinking and moods. We can all support each other to ensure we have a positive physical and mental health. Remember to talk to someone and share how you are feeling. 

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Mindful Meditation:
 
Studies show that the benefits of mindfulness for children may include:
  • Increased focus, attention, self-control, classroom participation, compassion.
  • Improved academic performance, ability to resolve conflict, overall well-being.
  • Decreased levels of stress, depression, anxiety, disruptive behaviour
 
Below are some mindful meditations for you and your child to try.

National helplines and advice website 

 If you would like some guidance about talking to your child about emotions in the BBC link below there is some great advice.

 

Childline website offers a range of support and advice on anything that may be worrying you. They can offer counselling and 1-2-1 support.

 

 Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families- Tips for Talking to your Children about Mental Health 

 

MindEd for Families. Are you a parent or carer who is worried about their child's mental health? Do you want some hints or tips on parenting? MindEd for Families has advice from trusted experts.  

 

YOUNG MINDS is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional well being and mental health of children and young people. Click on the link below to find out more information and for a Parent Phone line you can call for free advice.   

 

LGBTQ CyberBullying- see link below.

This activity from the Place2Be's Art room team can help children think about who supports them to grow.
Wellbeing Ambassadors
We have a group of children called 'Wellbeing Ambassadors' who were chosen after a short application process by their peers in the School Council. 
Their role is :
1) To spread happiness and peace throughout the school.
2) To welcome new children and staff to the school.
3) To be kind, caring and helpful towards others.
4) To always treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.
5) To promote and put into place the 'Five Ways to Wellbeing'. (Connect, Take Notice,Give, Keep Learning and Be Active)
To achieve this we have 5 themes, one for each day of the week, linked to the 'Five Ways to Wellbeing'. A group of ambassadors run activities on the playground daily to promote these in a supportive and caring way, from yoga on Mindful Monday to making friendship bracelets on Friendship Friday.
Our ambassadors have a wellbeing display in school with their photographs and information/posters/leaflets with advice for children in school to access.
Meet our Wellbeing Ambassadors.

Simple Self-Soothe Strategies

This course walks you through a range of practical strategies that can be used by adults or children in order to create a sense of relaxation and wellbeing.