Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Our Mental Health Ambassador:
- Mrs Tinkley
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is about our thoughts, feelings, emotions and ability to react to life. A good sense of wellbeing is feeling ok and able to cope, even when life or situations are challenging.
Sometimes our wellbeing is affected by things out of our control: illness, a stressful family situation or crisis.
When our wellbeing is affected and we don’t feel able to cope, this can lead to mental health concerns: sadness, depression and unhelpful thoughts that can stop us from enjoying and coping with daily life.
Mental health Illness
Sometimes, people are born with a mental health illness which affects them throughout their lives. They might have different ways of being supported and coping with their mental health illness; they might take a medicine or they might have a doctor or counsellor that they talk to, to help them cope and regain a sense of wellbeing.
Mental illness is often invisible, but that doesn’t mean it should be hidden. Statistics tell us that most people suffer from a mental health concern at some point in their lives and that one in ten young people struggle with their mental health. People with any illnesses, whether they affect our mental or physical health, deserve support, help and understanding.
Breaking the stigma
Understanding and responding to our mental health and wellbeing needs is something we believe in at the Churchside Federation. We aim to take away the stigma and negativity and help our pupils and families to talk openly.
In this section of our website, we hope to share our activities and learning in school, as well as helpful advice, websites and contacts. If you would like to see anything added to this site, or to speak more about wellbeing and mental health, please ring school and speak to Mrs Dale, Mr Keeble or Ms Beaumont who are both Mental Health First Aiders, for a confidential chat.
Here are some websites designed specifically for children and young adults.
Young Minds: A website for children and young people. There are different sections offering information and advice on signs and symptoms, seeking help and looking after yourself. Some handy advice for parents too.
thismayhelp.me: This May Help: Advice for supporting your child’s mental health.
The following websites have been vetted and approved by the NHS. We recommend that parents always look at and test out apps and games for themselves before introducing their children to them:
Positive Penguins: Aimed at 8 – 12 year olds. This app helps children to understand their feelings and challenge negative thinking. Four positive penguins take children on a journey to help them better understand the relationship between what they think and what they feel.
Dragon app: This app was developed by GPs and Year 6 children in the Wakefield NHS Trust. It aims to teach 8 – 12 year olds how to make healthy choices for their mind and body. It uses a game where children are given a pet dragon to look after to build confidence and educate children about issues such as mental health and bullying.
Here are some websites aimed at adults, dedicated to supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing. They contain lots of good advice and a series of free, downloadable books on a range of topics including anxiety, stress, the workplace, self-harm, mindfulness and exercise.