Strong Minds - Student Wellbeing
This guide has been created in response to the growing mental health and wellbeing crisis. Young people are struggling and sometimes they do not know who to talk to, or what support is available to them. This guide highlights some of the common mental health concerns that young people experience. Offering a brief outline of the concern and the support that is available.
This guide has been created using information from Mental Health First Aid England; all of the services are locally and nationally recognised.
If you are experiencing mental health difficulties in school:
- Talk about it with your form tutor, a teacher, Pastoral Team. Everyone is there to help.
- Email a trusted member of staff.
- Email one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads.
- You can ask to see to a school counsellor.
- Email: worryboxlongbridge@barkingabbeyschool.co.uk or worryboxsandringham@barkingabbeyschool.co.uk
If you are experiencing mental health difficulties outside of school:
- Try talking to a family member such your parents or siblings.
- You can speak to your GP or a health professional who are able to refer you to further help.
- There are various helplines that you can call, details of which are in this guide.
- If you are in distress and need immediate help and are unable to see a GP, visit your local A&E or call 111.
- Students and families can seek further advice from CAMHS, Child and Adolescents Mental Health Services, www.nelft.nhs.uk/camhs
Contact Mental Health Direct on 0300 555 1000, 24 hour a day helpline. - If you or someone you know is at serious risk of harming themselves contact 999.
How does Barking Abbey support students’ suffering from mental health difficulties?
- Personal Development Curriculum (PDC) developed to provide awareness for mental health.
- Pastoral Curriculum. Within our weekly pastoral curriculum students take part in Mindfulness Monday and Wellbeing Wednesday. Offering strategies and approaches to managing mental health.
- School Counsellor: One to one non-directive support.
- Tutor Support: Students can talk to their tutors during form time about any concerns they may have.
- School Referrals: We can make referrals to outside agencies such Youth at Risk Matrix, Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub, CAMHS, the police or social services.
- The school has created this guide to signpost students to the support available of they are experiencing a Mental Health Crisis.
- The school has Mental Health First Aider’s in the event of a student is experiencing a Mental Health Crisis.
