At Brownedge St Mary’s, we are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of all our pupils and staff.
We aim to be supportive, caring and respectful and encourage our pupils to be open so that they can have their voice heard. We recognise that everyone experiences different life challenges, and that each of us may need help to cope with them sometimes. We understand that anyone and everyone may need additional emotional support. At Brownedge St Mary’s, positive mental health is everybody’s responsibility – we all have a role to play.
In September 2022 we were awarded the School Mental Health Award in recognition of our outstanding and pioneering work in making a difference to pupils lives through supporting their mental health and wellbeing.
Dean Johnstone, founder and CEO of Minds Ahead said: “This award shines a light on the excellent work is being done to promote mental health for their community of children and adults.
It is thrilling and humbling to learn about Brownedge St Mary's Catholic High School and the many other schools engaged in the quality award process. I’d like to offer my congratulations on this deserved recognition."
There are some key actions you can consider to support your child or young person’s mental health and wellbeing including: Listening to and acknowledging their concerns. Children and young people may respond to stress in different ways. Signs may be emotional (for example, they may be upset, distressed, anxious, angry or agitated), behavioural (for example, they may become clingier or more withdrawn, or they may wet the bed), or physical (for example, they may experience stomach aches).
Look out for any changes in their behaviour. Children and young people may feel less anxious if they are able to express and communicate their feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Children and young people who communicate differently to their peers may rely on you to interpret their feelings. Listen to them, acknowledge their concerns and give them extra love and attention if they need it.
We are pleased to share with you a video resource that has been created by the Lancashire Mind team as part of the Whole School Approach project. The subject is 'How to Cope with Change'. The content has been developed from a Whole School Approach assembly, and has been adapted to offer some support and reassurance to pupils during these challenging times.
Mental Health Useful Information
Some useful Links:
Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-parents-and-carers-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
The Mental Health Foundation website has a useful A-Z of key mental health topics: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z
Mind have a whole range of information and support information for children and parents on their website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support
Young Minds provide useful information for young people and their parents about mental health, seeking treatment and the mental health system:
https://youngminds.org.uk/shop/publications/c-23/c-70/
The NHS website is a useful place to find out about all kinds of illnesses, including mental health problems:
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/youthmental-health/Pages/Youth-mental-health-help.aspx
Mind Ed for Families is a site developed by Health Education England and the Department of Education to help families understand and support their children, from parenting tips to getting help in a crisis.
https://www.minded.org.uk/families/index.html
Headspace has some useful audio and video clips about different conditions and people’s experiences, as well as some mindfulness resources. Here are a couple:
Anxiety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuTEPtphSFE
Depression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLCfQfa6GaQ
Coronavirus Well-Being Resources
Young Minds - Supporting your child during the coronavirus pandemic
Young Minds - Talking to your child about coronavirus
Young Minds - Activities to help support emotional well-being
Calm Zone – Resources to help promote calm feelings and relaxation
https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone/
Cruse Bereavement Support - Understanding the stages of grief
https://www.cruse.org.uk/understanding-grief/effects-of-grief/five-stages-of-grief/
Papyrus - Prevention of Young Suicide
The information and links contained below aim to provide help and advice to you regarding key areas of Wellbeing:
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Anxiety |
Eating disorders NHS Choices Eating Disorders |
Self Esteem |
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Drug and Alcohol support Addaction |
Self-Harm Royal College of Psychiatrists |
Sleep |
