Mental Health
Stowupland High School is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all our students.
At Stowupland High School, we take a whole-school approach to mental health and we encourage our students to think about their mental and physical wellbeing by sharing relevant information during tutor time, through our assemblies, within the curriculum and in our school bulletins.
Our team of staff, including our Mental Health Lead, our pastoral team and our Mental Health First Aiders, all focus on assessing students' individual needs and help them to access the right kind of support. The support offered to school by the Mental Health Support Team allows staff to gain valuable advice and guidance in order to signpost students or parent/carers to the most appropriate support.
Our school Mental Health Lead is Mrs McKendrick (AHT Inclusion)
How do we support the mental health and wellbeing of our students?
- Form tutors play a major role in supporting student wellbeing and mental health development;
- Progress Leaders are responsible for the progress and wellbeing of students in their year group;
- Assistant Progress Leaders have a non-teaching role and are available to discuss concerns, either in person or via email;
- Peer Mentors meet with named students on a one-to-one basis and are a valuable support to their allocated mentee;
- Mental Health First Aiders who have the practical skills to be able to recognise triggers and signs when a student is having difficulties, are available in school and are able to reassure and refer to relevant support;
- Our Wellbeing Practitioner provides 1:1 personalised support and small group work. (Spaces for this level of support are limited and there are thresholds in place due to such high demand. There may also be a waiting time before your child can be seen but we will do all that we can to ensure that this waiting time is kept to a minimum). Where 1:1 support cannot be provided, signposting and referrals to other relevant external organisations will be made by the pastoral team to ensure the best possible support is accessed;
- Our Mental Health Lead coordinates and strategically develops the mental health and wellbeing support in school;
- The Mental Health Support Team {MHST) and Mental Health Lead, have strong linking practice and offer consultation meetings in school for APL/PLs to gain advice and guidance around the mental health and wellbeing of students;
- CPD focuses on how staff can best support students and supportive advice and guidance for staff to do this is regularly shared with staff.
Suffolk County Council: Mental Health and Wellbeing
- We recommend that you access the following link. You will find support and advice about mental health and wellbeing, including local organisations, support groups and information: Suffolk Care and Support
- We advise that if you are seriously concerned about your child’s mental wellbeing that you request an emergency appointment with your GP. In extreme circumstances, you can visit your local A & E department.
Useful Links
Below is a list of useful websites that can provide valuable information, advice, guidance and support to young people and their families about mental health as well as some free online courses to engage with:
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
https://bounceforward.com/training-courses/essentials-for-parents/
Other resources
Understanding mental health can be a complex and daunting thing, not only for the child/young person but also for family members and those caring for them. Please find below some useful resources to support you:
Kooth
Kooth offers free, safe and anonymous online support for people aged between 11 to 25. It provides:
- Virtual chat sessions with friendly counsellors
- One-to-one text-based chats.
- Peer-to-peer support.
- Live online moderated forums.
- A range of self-help materials.
- Journals and goal trackers to reflect your thoughts.
Register on the Kooth website at www.kooth.com for immediate support.
Suffolk Mind
Suffolk Mind provides resources for adults and children to help them stay well. Anyone who needs support can contact their friendly team by telephoning 0300 111 6000 between Monday and Friday. More information is available at www.suffolkmind.org.uk
ChatHealth
ChatHealth is our school nursing text service. Text a school nurse for confidential help on 07507 333356. This service is available from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 and 16:30, excluding bank holidays. Also available at Home Page – ChatHealth
Moodwise
Moodwise is a website for 16 to 25-year olds that offers advice on topics such as mental health and relationships: www.moodwise.co.uk.
Teenage Mental Health
Teenage Mental Health provide advice and support to families with young people who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm and other mental health issues: www.teenagementalhealth.co.uk
Emotional Wellbeing Hub
If you or your friends need emotional wellbeing support, 0 to 25-year olds can get confidential information, advice and support from the Emotional Wellbeing Hub. This service is only available to families in East and West Suffolk. Telephone 0345 600 2090, (open Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 19:30). There is currently a high demand for this service which is affecting referral waiting times.
For more information go to Get emotional wellbeing support from the Emotional Wellbeing Hub (thesource.me.uk)
What parents need to know about WhatsApp and Youtube
