Emotional Wellbeing
Now more than ever it is important to look after your mental health and emotional wellbeing. We are all spending significant amounts of time inside, around the same people every day and this may mean that we are more inclined to dwell on negative thoughts and feelings when they arise. It is important that we work hard to counteract this, by doing little things that can make us feel happy and maintain a positive mindset. We have collated some resources that you may find useful during this time.
Below are links to resources created by the school, as well as links to external services both local and national that may be able to offer support to you during this difficult time. It is worth noting that some of these services may have adapted the support they are able to offer due to Covid-19.
Remember, staff are available on email so if you have questions about what support might work best for you or need to talk then email one of us. Staff email list
Keep positive, and remember we are here to help.
Safety Rocks Newsletter February 2021
Safety Rocks Newsletter January 2021
Triple P Parenting During COVD
Triple P Stepping Stones Parenting Guide
Triple P Supporting Healthy Relationships COVID 19
Triple P Parenting Teens During COVD
SELF-CARE AND SAFETY BULLETIN and 30 DAILY TASKS and ZOOM INFO FROM SUSSEX POLICE
MANAGING DIFFICULT FEELINGS AT THIS TIME
Brighton and Hove – Reducing Conflict and improve parent relationships
What is available locally and links
BME | Black and Minority ethnic Young People’s Project (BMEYPP) |
Banardo’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic family Covid-19 Helpline | |
BYC | https://www.brightonyouthcentre.org.uk |
Emotional Health and wellbeing | e-motion |
Right Here | |
CAMHs | |
counsellingat65@ymcadlg.org | |
www.youngpeoplescentre.org.uk/ | |
www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk/content/counselling | |
Young minds group | |
Sussex Mental HealthLine: 0300 5000 101 (24hrs) | |
www.e-wellbeing.co.uk | |
Drugs and Alcohol | Ruok |
www.wheretogofor.co.uk/drink-drugs-smoke | |
Kate and Youth Service | |
Pavilions | |
Young Oasis | |
Information on services | http://www.wheretogofor.co.uk/ |
General advice and info | Health chat |
School nurse | |
GP | |
pharmacy | |
www.youngpeoplescentre.org.uk/ | |
Domestic abuse | Rise |
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual | Allsorts |
Transgender/Gender Identity | Allsorts |
Parenting | Triple P |
Family Information Service | |
Sexual exploitation | The Wise Project |
Sexual health and Contraception | SHAC |
SHAC with SHAC (Sexual Health and Contraception) http://brightonsexualhealth.com/ | |
Pharmacy | |
Healthy relationships – team (teenage pregnancy, sexual health and substance misuse) | |
Smoking | Clara’s email |
Social/Physical Activities | Free Swimming – http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/leisure-and-libraries/sport-and-activity/free-swimming |
Special educational needs | Local offer |
Amaze | |
Young Carers | Carers Centre |
National Information
Health area | Description |
Bereavement: Winston’s Wish | This site is for young people like you, who know exactly what it is like to have someone important to them die. |
Bullying: Kidscape | With advice and practical skills to learn on how to deal with bullying |
Childline | If you are worried about anything, it could be something big or something small, don’t bottle it up. It can really help if you talk to someone |
Bullying UK | With general and specific advice on all types of bullying. |
Connect Safely | Connect Safely is everyone engaged in and interested in the impact of social media and mobile |
Drugs and Alcohol: Frank | |
Rise Above | |
Emotional Health and Wellbeing: BEAT Beating Eating Disorders | BEAT provides helplines, online support and a network of UK-wide self-help groups to help adults and young people in the UK beat their eating disorders. |
Young Minds | Offer information to young people and children about mental health and emotional wellbeing. |
NSPCC | Offers advice and information on female genital mutilation. |
Childline | If you need someone to talk to, you can talk to Childline about any problem you are worried about. They are available 24 hours a day and can talk to you in confidence. The number won’t appear on your phone bill. You can call them for free on 0800 1111 or visit their website. |
Selfharm UK | Self Harm is a project dedicated to supporting young people impacted by self harm, providing a safe space to talk, ask any questions and be honest about what’s going on in your life. |
NSHN Network | National Self Harm Network supports individuals who self harm to reduce emotional distress and improve their quality of life. They support and provide information for family and carers of individuals who self harm. They seek to raise awareness of the needs of people who self harm, dispel myths and combat discrimination. |
Social Media Feeds
Local self-harm video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-7hms54sF8
Some helpful resources for young people’s mental health provided by Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA)
Organisations
Association for Young People’s Health (AYPH) www.youngpeopleshealth.org.uk Telephone: 0207 922 7715 A charity and membership forum which aims to promote and support the health and wellbeing of young people by encouraging and facilitating more effective communication between practitioners, working to raise the profile and understanding of young people’s health needs, improving access to information, resources, innovation and best practice, and promoting evidence-based practice by making research findings more accessible and supporting new studies into young people’s health.
Black Women’s Health and Family Support (BWAFS) www.bwhafs.com Provides support on black women’s health issues, English as a second language and black youth groups.
ChildLine www.childLine.org.uk Telephone: 0800 1111 counselling service for parents, children and young people. It also offers multilingual services to South Asian communities living in the UK. Languages include Bengali/Sylheti, Gujurati, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and English. Help and advice is free and confidential.
Early Intervention Foundation www.eif.org.uk An independent charity and What Works Centre which champions and supports the use of effective early intervention for children with signals of risk.
Elament www.elament.org.uk Elament is a Scottish mental health website offering support and resources.
Heads Together www.headstogether.org.uk A campaign to end stigma around mental health spearheaded by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Heads Together aims to change the national conversation on mental health and wellbeing.
Mental Health Foundation www.mentalhealth.org.uk UK charity dedicated to finding and addressing the sources of mental health issues. Includes information, research, resources and an invaluable A–Z of mental health terms.
Mind www.mind.org.uk National charity organisation providing information, advice, and campaigning to promote and protect good mental health for everyone.
Muslim Youth Helpline www.myh.org.uk Telephone: 0808 808 2008 (weekdays 6pm – 12am, weekends 12pm – 12am) Text: 07860 022 811 Email: help @myh.org.uk Internet chat available through website. Offers support to young Muslims in distress.
Place2Be www.place2be.org.uk Telephone: 0207 923 5500 Email: enquiries@place2be.org.uk Offers a range of counselling support for young people in schools helping them to cope with wide-ranging and often complex social issues including bullying, bereavement, domestic violence, family breakdown, neglect and trauma.
Rethink Mental Illness www.rethink.org Telephone: 0300 5000 927 (Weekdays 9:30am – 4pm) Email: info@rethink.org / advice@rethink.org National mental health membership charity working to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life. Its aim is to make a practical and positive difference by providing hope and empowerment through effective services, information and support.
Royal College of Psychiatrists www.rcpsych.ac.uk The Royal College of Psychiatrists website includes readable and well-researched information about mental health for the public, with information for parents, teachers and young people.
Samaritans www.samaritans.org Telephone: 116 123 (any time) National minicom number: 08457 90 91 92 Email: jo@samaritans.org Address: Chris, PO Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA Samaritans is a confidential emotional support service for anyone in the UK and Ireland. The service is available 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. Volunteers offer support by responding to phone calls, emails and letters. Alternatively, people can drop into a branch to have a face to face meeting.
Stonewall www.stonewall.org.uk Telephone: 020 7593 1850 (Weekdays 9.30am – 5.30pm) Email: info@stonewall.org.uk Resources, research, education and advice on issues affecting the lesbian, gay, bi, and trans community.
Switchboard switchboard.lgbt Telephone: 0300 330 0630 (any time) Email: chris@switchboard.lgbt An LGBT group offering confidential support and information.
Time to Change www.time-to-change.org.uk Time to Change is an anti-stigma campaign run by the leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. Time to Change is England’s biggest programme to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination.
Winston’s Wish www.winstonswish.org.uk Freephone helpline: 08088 020 021 Provides specialist child bereavement support services across the UK, including in-depth therapeutic help in individual, group and residential settings.
YoungMinds www.youngminds.org.uk Telephone: 0808 802 5544 (weekdays 9:30am – 4pm) The UK’s leading charity committed to improving emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people and empowering their parents and carers.
Training and community development
Mental Health and Behaviour in Schools www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-and-behaviour-in-schools–2 The Department for Education (DfE) developed this advice and practical tools to help schools promote positive mental health in their pupils and identify and address those with less severe problems at an early stage and build their resilience. This advice will also help schools identify and support pupils with more severe needs and help them make appropriate referrals to specialist agencies such as Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) where necessary.
MindEd www.minded.org.uk Free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults. MindEd for Families has online advice and information from trusted sources and will help you to understand and identify early issues and best support your child. Also includes e-learning resources for professionals and volunteers.
Mindfulness in Schools Project training courses mindfulnessinschools.org/courses/ .b, pronounced [dot-be], stands for ‘Stop, Breathe and Be!’ and is the name for the range of courses created by Mindfulness in Schools Project, a charity whose aim is to encourage, support and research the teaching of secular mindfulness in schools.
MindUP mindup.org/u-k A learning programme for teachers and pupils based on positive psychology and mindfulness. A product of the Hawn Foundation.
myHappymind myhappymind.org A curriculum to help schools develop resilient children who celebrate themselves and others, build positive relationships and thrive. Built on scientific research and powered by innovative technology, myHappymind supports schools in creating a positive and growth-oriented whole school culture.
Additional information
BBC Health www.bbc.co.uk/news/health Provides content on a range of health topics including (at time of print) an extensive section on mental health issues.
Department of Health www.dh.gov.uk www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health The aim of the Department of Health (DH) is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in England. This site provides health and social care policy and guidance publications and statistics.
Internet Mental Health mentalhealth.com/home/ Broad range of links to mental health resources on the internet.
Mental Health First Aid Australia www.mhfa.com.au Website of the Australian Mental Health First Aid programme. News, updates, useful information and more.
National Institute of Mental Health USA www.nimh.nih.gov Contains a wealth of information on various mental health topics.
National Statistics Online www.ons.gov.uk This site gives free access to data produced by the Office of National Statistics, government departments and devolved administrations.
Net Doctor www.netdoctor.co.uk Information and online discussion forums on a range of health topics including depression.
NHS Choices www.nhs.uk Telephone: 111 The NHS Choices website contains information about all aspects of health. NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
YMCA Right Here service directory for young people in Brighton and Hove, Wheretogofor, has re-launched. https://wheretogofor.co.uk/
Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) www.mentalhealthrecovery.com A comprehensive guide and resource centre for creating a WRAP, a prevention and wellness process to help people get well and stay well. This process is used extensively by individuals, those who support them, and by health care and mental health systems all over the world.
In School Support
PHS and Schools Wellbeing Service:
Working in partnership with the Schools Wellbeing Service we have a Primary Mental Health Worker working alongside the school for a proportion of the week.
The key focus of this partnership is to support parents, staff and pupils in recognising and supporting a range of Emotional Mental Health and Wellbeing challenges.
This includes:
Parent workshops on areas such as managing self-harm and exam stress
1-1 parent appointments offering advice and support
1-1 pupil support and group based activities
Pupil workshops on areas such as managing anxiety, dealing with change, understanding emotions and managing exam stress
Workshop content and dates will be advertised via the school website
If you would like to discuss any concerns please contact your child’s form tutor to request a referral
The Centre for Alternative Learning and Mentoring (C.A.L.M.).
The key objective of a Learning Mentor is to assist the student to overcome any barriers to learning they may face. The C.A.L.M. team support students, developing a relationship with the student to help them access the curriculum.
It is our belief that the emotional and academic wellbeing of every young person in our care is supported. The Learning Mentors work closely with internal and external staff and agencies to provide a wide range of suitable resources.
PHS Counselling Service:
We provide our students with access to a school based counselling service delivered in school by YMCA Dialogue, a BACP accredited service. There is a counsellor working at the school on a Wednesday. Sometimes life can be really difficult and it can feel hard to cope. It’s OK to ask for help. We work with young people about many issues including; self-harm, sexual identity, suicidal feelings, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, anger, attachment issues, general mental health issues, bullying, eating disorders, panic attacks, depression, anxiety, friendship issues, bereavement and stress.
Fitness and mental health and well-being:
At Patcham High School we aim to provide high quality Physical Education and School Sport. Our Primary aim is to provide all students with the opportunity to develop their own confidence and skilfulness across a wide range of physical activities.
Regular physical activity is so important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We strongly believe that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Physical activity is one of the key methods of mental relaxation that can help prevent and relieve the build-up of stress and anxiety. Students are faced with many challenges at school which come with work, deadline and results based pressures and we see the PE curriculum as paramount in helping our students control their levels of stress and anxiety alongside their academic curriculum.
Throughout a students’ time at Patcham PE is delivered in a fully inclusive manner meaning groups are fully mixed, both in gender and ability. We firmly believe that grouping PE in this way is an excellent vehicle for assisting personal and social development alongside physical and mental capacity. By offering a diverse range of physical activities our aim is to promote lifelong participation in sport so that students can benefit from all that it entails.
Extra curriculum activities
Our extracurricular sport programme is an extension of our curriculum. It provides a platform for students to:
- Develop their skills and confidence further in selected activities
- Develop their social skills through working as part of a team
- Maintain an active healthy lifestyle
- Improve their physical and mental wellbeing through regular physical activity.
There are opportunities for those wishing to experience competitive sport, but we place equal importance on providing a platform for recreational, or social, play.
There are clubs in the following sports/activities:
Football, Rugby, Gym, Dance, Netball, Fitness, Yoga, Tennis, Basketball, Table Tennis, Swimming, Tennis, Rounders, Athletics, Volleyball, Futsal click here to learn more.
LGBTU Staff Allies:
Patcham High School LGBTU Allies are proud to support and respect young people’s diversity. It is thought that lesbian, gay and bisexual people are at significantly higher risk of mental health problems, suicidal thoughts and deliberate self-harm than heterosexual people.
PSHE: Life Skills and Social Moral Spiritual Cultural studies:
At Patcham High School, we are proud to be at the centre of the community. Students at Patcham have access to a wide range of opportunities that develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness. This is particular true of unique and innovative Life Skills programme.
Ralph the school dog:
Ralph has specific time-tabled sessions in school. Having time with Ralph tends to help students de-stress and feel more able to settle and return to their studies. https://www.therapydogs.com/therapy-dogs-classrooms-campuses/ cited the benefits of having therapy dogs in the classroom include:
Physical benefits. Interaction with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce blood pressure, provide physical stimulation and assist with pain management.
Social benefits. A visiting therapy dog promotes greater self-esteem and focused interaction with other students and teachers.
Cognitive benefits. It has been empirically proven that therapy dogs stimulate memory and problem-solving skills.
Emotional and mental health benefits. A recent national survey of adolescent mental health found that about 8 to 10 percent of teens ages 13 to 18 have an anxiety disorder. A therapy dog can lift moods in the classroom, often provoking laughter. The therapy dog is also there to offer friendship and a shoulder to lean on for students.
Safeguarding:
Patcham High School is committed to the safeguarding of children – ensuring the wellbeing of the child is paramount. Click here to learn more.
School nursing service:
School Nurses are registered nurses with an additional specialist public health qualification. We give confidential advice and support to children, young people, parents and carers. We also work with other professionals to promote children’s welfare.
At Patcham High School our school nurse offers a confidential drop in service, every Wednesday lunchtime in room H1. Individual appointments for young people can also be arranged. Roz Jones School Nurse/Practice Teacher Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust. SC.TR.TeamASchoolNursing@nhs.net
SEND (& Personalised Learning):
We offer a wide range of support to help break down barriers to learning in order to reflect the needs of pupils with communication and interaction, cognition and learning difficulties, social, mental and emotional health and physical or sensory needs.
Wellbeing and Multi-Faith Prayer room:
The C.A.L.M. department offer a space for prayer and quiet reflection. We encourage young people to develop awareness of and respect for diversity in relation to religion and to understand and appreciate the range of different cultures within school.