Mental Health & Wellbeing
Lead staff members:
Mr Massimo Bonnaddio - Headteacher
Ms Julie Barlow - Deputy Headteacher
Ms Emma Robinson - Assistant Headteacher
Ms Julie Dart – Learning Mentor
Mr Whittaker - Learning Mentor
Should you need any help or advice regarding issues around mental health and well-being please do not hesitate to contact us at school.
At Blaise Primary and Nursery School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of everyone in our school community: pupils, parents/carers and staff. We recognise that everyone may experience challenges in life which can make us vulnerable and require support systems to be in place. Mental health is everyone's business and we all have a role to play in achieving positive mental and physical wellbeing for all.
We will:
- teach children to understand their emotions and feelings
- ensure children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries
- help children form and maintain positive relationships with peers and adults
- promote self-esteem and ensure children know that they know their self worth
- encourage children to be confident in who they are, 'daring to be different'
- give opportunities to children to take risks, set goals and be persistent when faced with challenges
- support children with developing emotional resilience and managing setbacks, fostering a ‘Growth Mindset’
- provide consistency, structure, safety and care to all children as part of the Blaise team
Useful Resources
Mindline Helpline - 0808 808 0330
Childline Helpline - 0800 1111
When you call them, you’ll get through to a counsellor, they’re there to listen and support you with anything you’d like to talk about, or you can have a 1-2-1 counsellor chat online: https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/1-2-1-counsellor-chat/
Useful Websites to support
https://bristolmind.org.uk/support_type/counselling-cyp/ - a range of helpful resources to support children and young people
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/ - expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing
https://engagement4learning.com/ - teaching and learning strategies for children with learning difficulties and disabilities
https://www.childline.org.uk/ - a free, private and confidential service where anyone can talk about anything online, on the phone, anytime.
https://www.headspace.com/ - meditation made simple, teaching you life-changing mindfulness skills in just a few minutes a day.
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/ - supporting families through domestic abuse, mental health problems, prison sentences, asylum seeking and more.
https://charliewaller.org/ - practical tools and treatments to support parents/carers including wellbeing, education and strategies.
https://youngminds.org.uk/ - tools for young people to look after their mental health and empowering adults to be the best support they can be.
Understanding Coronavirus for Children
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families - Advice for Young People
Children's Commissioner - Children's Guide to Coronavirus
Emerging Minds - Supporting children and young people with worries about Covid-19
Emerging Minds are a research network that aims to reduce the prevalence of mental health problems experienced by children and young people.
ELSA – Coronavirus - A Story for Children
SEND – Coronavirus – A Story for SEND Children
Guidance for Parents and Carers
MindEd - Educational Resources on Children and Young People's Mental Health
BBC - How to protect your mental health
Psychology Tools - Guide To Living With Worry And Anxiety Amidst Global Uncertainty
Bereavement
Sadly, many people across the world have lost loved ones during this time. This is an excellent offering help to children and advice for parents to support children with the loss of someone they love.
Childhood Bereavement Network - http://www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/covid-19.aspx
Meditation
Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the moment. It can have numerous benefits, everything from decreased stress and sadness to increased levels focus and happiness, according to general mindfulness research. Mindfulness meditation practice is one way to truly experience the current moment and integrate that awareness into your everyday life.
Headspace and Calm are both offering free mindfulness exercises during this time.
Self Esteem and Mental Wellbeing
The British Psychological Society - A Variety of Blogs
How to NOT go to school - A free, downloadable book about children's emotions and wellbeing
Beacon House have published the document below with some activities to support mental health at this time.
| Name | |
|---|---|
| self esteem.pptx | Download |
