SMITHILLS SCHOOL
SUCCESS FOR ALL
MENTAL HEALTH
"Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community." (World Health Organisation)
We take the mental health and wellbeing of our Smithills family very seriously. Our role is to:
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Create an environment that supports learning, promoting the health and wellbeing of members of the Smithills family
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Ensure that we all feel safe and supported, and build resilience to life’s challenges.
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Build relationships with our pupils that allows them to trust and talk openly with adults about their problems
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS POSTER
Bekindtomymind is a Bolton campaign to help reduce the stigma around mental health.
The local message to young people, parents and carers who are struggling with their mental health is that "it's ok to talk!"
Click the image below to access information and support for young people and parents/carers.
PATHWAY OF SUPPORT
Graduated strategies that we use to support the mental health and well-being of our students strategies that we use.
MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPIONS
BOLTON MHST SCHOOLS PADLET:
HELP AND SUPPORT
PUPIL SUPPORT
Childline
0800 1111
childline.org.uk
Support for children and young people in the UK, including a free 24-hour helpline.
YoungMinds
85258 (crisis messenger service, text YM)
youngminds.org.uk
Provides information and support around mental health, and a crisis text messenger service for urgent help.
Kooth
kooth.com
Information on mental health and wellbeing, community message boards and confidential live chat.
Samaritans
116 123 (helpline)
samaritans.org
24-hour emotional support for anyone who needs to talk.
The Mix
0808 808 4994 (helpline)
85258 (crisis messenger service, text THEMIX)
themix.org.uk
Support and advice for under 25s, including a helpline, crisis messenger service and webchat.
Meic
080880 23456 (helpline)
84001 (text)
meiccymru.org
Information, advice and advice helpline for children and young people.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, or like you want to hurt yourself:
Papyrus HOPELINEUK
0800 068 4141 (helpline)
07860039967 (text)
papyrus-uk.org/hopelineuk
Provides confidential support if you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide.
If you feel like you may attempt suicide, or you have seriously hurt yourself, it’s an emergency. You or a trusted adult should call 999 and ask for an ambulance, even during the coronavirus outbreak.
For any specific concerns:
Relationships:
Relate
0300 003 0396 (helpline)
relate.org.uk
Provides help and support with relationships, including telephone counselling and anonymous live chat.
Eating Disorders:
Beat
0808 801 0711 (youthline)
beateatingdisorders.co.uk
Under 18s helpline, webchat and online support groups for people with eating problems, such as anorexia and bulimia.
If you are in care or leaving care:
Become
0800 023 2033 (helpline)
becomecharity.org.uk
Information and support for young people in care, and young care leavers.
Advice on drugs:
Frank
0300 123 6600 (helpline)
talktofrank.com
Honest information about drugs, and a confidential helpline.
For if you have lost a loved one:
Hope Again
0808 808 1677 (helpline)
hopeagain.org.uk
Support for young people who have lost a loved one.
For if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse:
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
0800 1111 (helpline)
nspcc.org.uk
Support for children experiencing abuse.
Refuge
0808 2000 247 (helpline)
refuge.org.uk
Support, information and advocacy for young people experiencing violence and abuse.
Homelessness:
Shelter
shelter.org.uk/youngpeople
Information and advice for homeless young people.
LGBTQ+:
Young Stonewall
08000 50 20 20 (helpline)
youngstonewall.org.uk
Information and support for all young lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.
Mental Health Resources
If you are concerned about the mental health or wellbeing of your child please feel free to contact the school, we have an excellent Pastoral team that can assist you.
“This is a truly inclusive school where every pupil is valued. The school provides excellent pastoral support for its most vulnerable pupils. Leaders have created a culture in which all are given the chance to be successful.” Ofsted June 2018
PARENT SUPPORT
CLICK HERE for a guide to services in Bolton to support your young person.
How to support your child if they tell you they’re struggling…
Young Minds have produced some helpful tips on how to respond:
Validate their feelings. You could say ‘it’s really understandable that you’re feeling…’ to let them know that their feelings are okay.
Thank them for sharing what’s going on and be encouraging about the way they’ve opened up.
Let them know that you love them, you’re there for them, they can talk to you whenever they need to, and you can help them get support if they need it.
Ask them if there’s anything you could do that they would find particularly helpful.
Spend time together thinking about what’s making them feel this way. It could be something at home or school, a relationship with a friend or family member or something else.
Let your child know about the services that are available to help them. Young people can find it difficult to talk, and worry about upsetting their parents/carers – so reassure them that it’s okay to open up to other people. You can find some examples of services in our ‘Mental Health Support – for children and young people in Bolton’ on www.bekindtomymind.co.uk
Remind your child that this feeling is temporary. Reassure them that things can change and they can feel better.
Avoid conversations at the height of distress. It’s important to be here for them, but it can be more helpful to talk about the causes when things are feeling calmer.
Get Appy
Useful apps to support teenage mental health:
