Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing
For Children
According to the World Health Organisation: Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.
At Long Lawford, we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our staff and student body. We pursue this aim using both universal, whole school approaches and specialised, targeted approaches aimed at vulnerable students. In addition to promoting positive mental health, we aim to recognise and respond to mental ill health. In an average classroom, three children will be suffering from a diagnosable mental health issue. By developing and implementing practical, relevant and effective mental health policies and procedures we can promote a safe and stable environment for students affected both directly, and indirectly by mental ill health.
Here is a great video from Dr Alex George - Youth Mental Health Ambassador! Some easy to achieve top tips for positive mental health and wellbeing!
Supporting Children's Mental Health Week
Here is our video from Children's Mental Health Week and the things we got up to in school!
All these websites have helpful resources for children's mental health. Please remember that you can always contact the school if you need support.
Headspace - a meditation app to support mindfulness.
Action for Happiness - ideas of positive mental health activities for every day of the year.
Go Noodle - fun dances and gentle exercise to support positive wellbeing.
Mind Moose - fun activities for parents and schools for supporting positive wellbeing in schools.
Mindfulness - ideas to support positive mental health through the use of today's technology (supported by great videos, apps and links for parents to use with their child).
Young Minds - advice and mental health support for children and young people.
NSPCC - 0808 800 5000
Childline - 0800 1111
Kooth.com - supporting positive mental health in children and young people.
Child Bereavement UK - We help children and young people (up to age 25), parents, and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. We also provide training to professionals, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.
Childhood Bereavement Network - Supporting children with coping with bereavement (especially during the COVID-19 outbreak).
Youth Sport Trust - a children's charity working to ensure every child enjoys the life-changing benefits that come from play and sport.
Sport England - Guidance on the latest Lockdown and support for a return to play.
Think Ninja - self-help knowledge and skills to children and young people (10-18 years old) who may be experiencing increased anxiety and stress during the crisis.
Barnardos - information, resources & tools - from practical advice on how to talk to your children about the pandemic, to tips on managing anxiety and much more.
Warwickshire Mental Health Support for Young People - a great link to local (and National) mental health support for young people.
The School Run - provides some great recommendations for children's apps that support positive mental health and wellbeing
Central Government have developed the below guidance for supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing:
For Parents
During these unprecedented times we understand there is extra pressure on families. If you are struggling and need some support here are some useful numbers and websites:
Rugby Children's Centre: The centre provides a variety of support for parents and carers. They are open and will see parents and carers via appointment only.
Internet Safety: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/esafety-leaflets-resources/ - some great information for parents around screen time and Internet safety.
MindEd - https://mindedhub.org.uk/top-tips-for-covid/ - some great top tips for supporting children and adults with anxiety around COVID-19
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) provides help if you’re worried about the safety of a child. They also provide information for parents and carers supporting children who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence. Call 0808 800 5000.Their helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
For emotional support, you can contact the Samaritans which are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 08457 90 90 90
For housing advice, call Shelter’s helpline on 0808 800 4444. It’s open 8am-8pm on weekdays and 8am-5pm on weekends, 365 days a year
The National Domestic Helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 0808 2000 247
Relate - free online live chat to support through a live chat counsellor:
Monday - 9am - 5pm, 7pm - 9pm
Tuesday - 9am - 5pm, 7pm - 9pm
Wednesday - 9am - 4pm, 7pm - 9pm
Thursday - 9am - 4pm, 7pm - 9pm
Friday - 9am - 3pm only
Saturday - CLOSED
Sunday - 7pm - 9pm only
StepChange provide free, independent debt counselling as well as debt management plans – call 0800 138 111.
SANEline provide emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness. Call 0845 767 8000.
Togetherall - Warwickshire support service for mental health improvements - "Get support, take control, feel better".
https://actearly.uk/ - Prevent Radicalisation and Extremism by Acting Early. It can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried someone close is expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead to them harming themselves or others. Working with other organisations, the police protect vulnerable people from being exploited by extremists through a Home Office programme called Prevent. Act early and tell us your concerns in confidence. You won’t be wasting our time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them.
Family Intervention Counselling Service https://www.interventionservice.co.uk/
Place2Be - Information for parents supporting their child with positive mental health and wellbeing.
MindEd - MindEd is a free educational resource on children and young people's mental health for all adults.
CWMind has some great resources for parents to support their children.
CAMHS has some great resources supporting positive mental health and wellbeing for children, teenagers and young adults.
COMPASS - the school nurse service provides lots of practical ideas and support for supporting mental health and wellbeing needs in children and young adults.
Every Mind Matters - Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Public Health England - wellbeing advice and support for all.
NHS
- Every Mind Matters – www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters provides free advice for wellbeing and mental health strategies
- Improving Mental Wellbeing - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/
Mental Health Foundation
- https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health
- https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak
Mind
- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/wellbeing/wellbeing/
- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
Mental Health Matters - To contact the MHM Coventry Safe Haven call: 07921 876 065 or email us at: coventryhaven.mhm@nhs.net. Calls and emails are monitored between 6pm-11pm, or call 0800 616171
Warwickshire Safe Haven - To contact the Warwickshire Safe Haven @ Leamington Spa call: 07483 991763 or email us at: warwickshiresafehaven@mhm.org.uk Calls and emails are monitored between 6pm-11pm.
To contact the Warwickshire Safe Haven @ Nuneaton call: 07887 627524 or email us at: warwickshiresafehaven@mhm.org.uk Calls and emails are monitored between 6pm-11pm
IAPT - self-referral for swift access to mental health support via NHS.
Talking to children about World Events
There are many worries about what is happening in the world right now. Here are some useful links for families to use that will help explain what is happening at an age-appropriate level. If you have any worries or concerns, please get in touch with the school, and we will do all we can to help you.
https://www.phoenixgrouphq.com/_files/ugd/bbe3de_9b3f2f5fddad41d69c809a2c116dc75e.pdf