Wanborough Mental Health and Wellbeing for Pupils Policy
Wanborough Staff Wellbeing Policy
Mental health and wellbeing: information for parents and carers
Wanborough Primary School take the emotional health and wellbeing of every child seriously. We believe that the school can help pupils build resilience and support them to be mentally healthy. Our Mental Health and Wellbeing for Pupils policy sets out how we do this.
We all have ups and downs in life but in childhood it can be particularly hard to cope with sad feelings and worries that arise when things are hard or scary. There may be times when your child is unhappy or struggling emotionally. You may notice that they seem low or worried or that their behaviour changes. We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.
If you are worried about your child's mental health then you are not alone. Many parents and carers have similar worries and stresses . There is good support available from local and national organisations. The sooner you seek help the better for your child and you.
Local services for children & young people
The School
Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better. Please contact your child's teacher or the school SENDCo.
Your GP
A GP can check any physical symptoms linked to your child's health and talk with you about their emotional well-being making a referral to a specialist service if necessary.
The School Nurse
Parents/carers can contact the School Nurse Service for advice and support on a range of health issues.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
A free NHS service that assesses and treats 0-18-year olds with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
Children and young people aged 11 and over are also able to access support themselves from Kooth. This provides links to advice as well as online counselling.
Websites that offer information and advice:
The following organisations provide reliable information and advice to help parent/carers to support their child when experiencing emotional difficulties:
Young Minds: - Help for Parents
Information about all aspects of child mental health, including a Parent Helpline 0800 802 5544
You're Never too Young to Talk Mental Health
Leaflet for parent/carers of primary aged children
Talking Mental Health with Young People at Secondary School
Advice for parents/carers of secondary aged young people
Self-Care – Top Tips for Young Parents and Carers
Advice for taking care of your own and child's wellbeing.
Lots of information and tips for children of all ages about feelings and difficult situations
Free learning resource about mental health for parents and carers
Lots of information about health topics including mental health, organised under different age groups i.e under 5's primary age, secondary age, young adults
Leaflets on a range of topics to support your family's mental health
24/7 text messaging help service for parents
Expert led podcasts to help you understand and support mental health issues
NHS Mental Health Services for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire
Swindon Borough Council Local Offer for Mental Health
Mental health services for children and young people
The Dock is a new and different way for young people to find out about services that are here to help them in Swindon.
Looking after your own mental health
In order to support your child, you need to stay strong and well yourself. It isn't easy being a parent or carer especially when you are experiencing problems of your own such as; relationship difficulties, money worries, problems with work. Often it helps to talk to someone, like friends, family, your GP or a support service. The following organisations can also offer information and advice to help you.
Swindon Borough Council – Mental Health Support Directory
Swindon community wellbeing campaigning for a healthy community
Talk to trained psychologists about many a variety of issues, ranging from general stress to low self-esteem and anxiety.
Swindon Social prescribing service
Social prescribing, where doctors refer patients to schemes like walking groups or gardening charities that offer support in the community, is nothing new. In Swindon, surgeries are paired with Community Navigators, responsible for pointing patients in the direction of helpful projects.
Swindon Mind : 01793 432031
Samaritans Tel: free confidential listening service 116 123
NHS Choices: moodzone Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression.
CALM Campaign against living miserably
Information and help around mental health particularly focussing on men
Agencies and services to support parents and carers in vulnerable situations
Links to a range of services supporting physical, social and emotional needs. Includes Ofsted registered childcare, parenting support, groups, clubs and events. Signposts to organisations, services, support, activities and groups for children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND additional needs
Independent charity that provides free, impartial advice and information on a range of issues including housing, employment and debt.
