Mental Health and Wellbeing

 

Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHWB)

Our vision

The emotional health and wellbeing of all members of The Glebe School (including staff, students and parents) is fundamental to our philosophy and ethos of valuing everyone, caring for each other and achieving excellence. At The Glebe, we recognise that mental health and emotional wellbeing is just as important as our physical health. We pride ourselves on our supportive and caring ethos and our approach is to be respectful and kind, where each individual and contribution is valued. We recognise that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We aim to ensure that everybody is supported to reach their potential or access help when they need it.

 

Our intent

In order to place Mental Health and Wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, we will: 

  • Ensure MHWB is effectively taught across the school so children can successfully navigate their emotions and have the tools to be resilient, especially through times of challenge and change.
  • Make MHWB an established and essential part of the PSHE and wider curriculum. From September 2020, PSHE will be a compulsory part of the curriculum. We will ensure that the key messages about MHWB are also reinforced through dedicated weeks, assemblies, homework and on the school website.
  • Ensure a culture of acceptance around MHWB so pupils, staff and parents have the space and confidence to freely discuss problems, concerns, queries and worries.
  • Ensure clear and consistent avenues and protocols are in place so that issues arising regarding MHWB are dealt with quickly and effectively.
  • Ensure staff are adequately trained to the level where they feel confident identifying pupil needs and initiating early intervention strategies

Staff wellbeing is fundamental to the successful running of the school. It is imperative staffing needs are considered, listened to and made a priority. We will ensure that:

  • Staff feel appreciated, respected and valued.
  • MHWB is high priority and regularly reviewed and monitored.
  • Staff feel they have the support, tools and resilience to deal with stressful situations and times.
  • The school culture surrounding MHWB is one of acceptance so that staff feel they have avenues of support when they are in need of help through peer support, SLT support and counselling programmes, if required.
  • Staff have a clear framework of support in place when dealing with difficult situations involving pupils.
  • Staff are made aware of the MHWB support that is available to them.
  • The work life balance is a priority and that pressures placed on staff are continually monitored, evaluated and minimalised.
  • There are spaces within the school for staff to talk and take ‘protected’ breaks (away from duties and looking after pupils) in a comfortable environment.

 

Implementation

At The Glebe, we take a whole school approach to promoting positive MHWB, aiming to help children become more resilient, happier and lead more fulfilling lives and to work in a pro-active way to avoid problems arising.

We do this by:  

  • Creating and applying consistent ethos, policies and behaviours that support positive MHWB and resilience, which everyone understands.
  • Adhering to the Zones of regulation therapeutic approach to behaviour management.
  • Focusing on 5 Ways to Well-being
  • Teaching PSHE Association MHWB lessons.
  • Having time to talk, encouraging all children to talk about things that are on their mind.
  • Encouraging children to use Worry Monsters and the Worry Washer to report worries or concerns.
  • Helping children to develop social relationships, support each other and seek help when they need it.
  • Promoting self-esteem and ensuring children understand their importance in the World.
  • Helping children to be resilient learners, take risks and to manage setbacks.
  • Teaching children social and emotional skills.
  • Identifying children who have MHWB challenges and planning support to meet their needs, including working with specialist services and working in specialist groups, such as Calm Club and Lego Talk Therapy.
  • Supporting and training staff to develop their skills and knowledge and their own resilience.
  • Developing an open culture where it’s normal to talk about MHWB.  

 

Through our curriculum…

  • We identify and talk about feelings.
  • We learn about how feelings effect behaviours.
  • We teach children strategies to manage feelings and maintain a positive mental health.
  • We learn about the link between mental and physical health.
  • We learn about the importance of talking.
  • We learn about the Ten Keys for Happier Living.  
  • We manage transition to secondary school.
  • We aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and wellbeing.

 

We promote a mentally healthy environment through:

  • Promoting our school values and encouraging a sense of belonging.
  • Promoting pupil voice and opportunities to participate in decision-making.
  • Celebrating academic and non-academic achievements.
  • Providing opportunities to develop a sense of worth through taking responsibility for themselves and others.
  • Providing opportunities to reflect.
  • Enabling access to appropriate support.
  • Wellbeing week and access to the most up to date information, initiatives and strategies.
  • Workshops for parents and carers about how best to support and develop their child’s/children’s MHWB.  

Small group activities:

  • Lego Talk Therapy groups to focus on resilience, working together, talking and listening.
  • Calm Club to establish positive mental health, wellbeing and mindfulness.
  • Open culture, where children, staff and parents/carers can drop in and see a designated adult if they are anxious or worried about a certain situation/issue.

Parents and carers concerns.

Parents or carers should approach their child/children’s class teacher if they have any MHWB concerns. This will be cascaded to the MHWB Leader, Mrs Callaghan for assessment. In addition to offering universal support within school, we may also discuss with you additional support mechanisms available to you from the following agencies:

  • Circles Counselling
  • Alliance
  • CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)
  • Play Therapists
  • Specific agency support such as bereavement services or domestic violence services

 

Online resources to support Mental Health and Wellbeing can be found on the following websites.

How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health Expressing Emotions and Calming Strategies 2025

General Mental Health and Anxiety

The Family Action Helpline

The Family Action Helpline offers emotional support and practical guidance for individuals and families. You can get in touch via text, phone call, live chat or email. Telephone: 0808 802 6666. Text message: 07537 404 282. Email: familyline@family-action.org.uk.

Mental Health at Work

Frontline support for key and essential workers including resources to support key workers, stress busters and coping with going to work during coronavirus. https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/toolkit/ourfrontlinekeywork/

Impact on Teesside

Impact on Teesside offer a free psychological therapy and wellbeing service for adults 18+. 

https://www.impactonteesside.com/

Kooth

Kooth is a service for 11-18 year olds. It provides children and young people (CYPs) immediate access to an online community of peers and a team of experienced, accredited counsellors. Access is free of the typical barriers to support – no waiting times, no referrals, no thresholds to meet and complete anonymity.

https://www.kooth.com/

Support Line

Confidential emotional support with all issues from domestic violence, loneliness, self-esteem and sexuality.
https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/az/          

Anxiety UK 
Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Advice line: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 10pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm) 

Mind 
This is a charity which offers advice and support, especially around the ‘5 ways to wellbeing
www.mind.org.uk
Advice line: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) 

Samaritans 
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
www.samaritans.org.uk
Advice Line: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline) 

Young Minds 
Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals. 
www.youngminds.org.uk
Advice line: 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) 

NSPCC

Support for children who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or self-harm. 

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/

Adviceline: 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk

CAMHS

A really helpful website which includes, downloadable self-help activities, information guides, information and more. 

https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk

Childline

Comforts, advises and protects children 24 hours a day and offers free confidential counselling.

Advice line: 0800 1111 (24 hours)

Anna Freud

This charity is dedicated to providing training and support for child mental health services. 

https://www.annafreud.org/

Public Health England and the NHS

Offer advice on how to take simple steps to look after mental health, improve mental wellbeing and support wellbeing.

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Time to Change

A growing movement of people changing how we all think and act about mental health. 

https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/

The Great Dream – Ten Keys to Happier Living

Is a movement of people from all over the world taking action to build a happier and more caring society. Through extensive research, the charity have identified 10 Keys to Happier Living that consistently tend to make life happier and more fulfilling. Together they spell “GREAT DREAM”. We use this philosophy in school to improve MHWB in pupils and staff. 

https://www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys-to-happier-living

 

Calming Activities, Mindfulness, Breathing, Yoga Videos and More…

GoNoodle

This site has hundreds of ‘brainercise’, dancing, strength and mindfulness videos – as well as videos for fun! 

https://app.gonoodle.com

Childline Calm-Zone

https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone

Cosmic Yoga

https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga

An activity for grounding and calming

https://kristinamarcelli.wordpress.com/2015/07/14/hold-a-sense-of-inner-peace-with-you-wherever-you-go/

Just Breathe

A video aimed at children to help them feel calmer. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVA2N6tX2cg

150 Sensory Learning Ideas

https://inclusiveteach.com/2020/03/20/150-sensory-learning-ideas

‘100 positive things every kid needs to hear’

 https://raising-independent-kids.com/100-positive-things-every-kid-needs-hear

 

Apps for Wellbeing and Mental Health

A list of apps complied by Dorset Young Minds

http://dorsetmindyourhead.co.uk/minding-my-head/apps-for-wellbeing-and-mental-health

Stop, Breathe and Think App

check in with how you’re feeling and try short activities tuned to your emotions.

https://www.stopbreathethink.com 

Smiling Mind App

A great app with age specific mindfulness resources, including a new resource, ‘Thrive Inside’. Thrive Inside is a special program to help you stay psychologically healthy while you’re spending extended periods of time at home. 

https://www.smilingmind.com.au

Cosmic Kids Yoga and Mindfulness App

This app often has a two-week trial available.

https://www.cosmickids.com

Financial Difficulties

More than eight million people in the UK have financial difficulties. We know that this can be tough to deal with, particularly in the current climate which has had a massive impact on lots of people’s financial security. It can sometimes feel overwhelming, but there are solutions.

Money Helper

Houses information to support the high number families who continue to be affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

Step Change

Their expert advice helps you deal with your debts and get the support you need. You can get advice online or over the phone, and they’ll recommend a range of practical debt solutions based on your situation.

https://www.stepchange.org/howwehelp/debtadvice.aspx

Advice line: 0800 138 1111 – Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 4pm

National Debt Helpline

Free debt advice https://www.nationaldebtline.org/

Advice line: 0808 808 4000

Debt Advice Foundation

Free debt advice

https://www.debtadvicefoundation.org/ Advice line: 0800 043 4050

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have a huge impact on an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing. This can be a result of both over-eating or under-eating and it is important to know how to support yourself or your child if you notice signs of an eating disorder or a difficult relationship with food. 

Young Minds

A guide for parents on eating disorders in children and young adults. 

Eating Disorders & Problems | Guide For Parents | YoungMinds  

NHS

Whether your child is diagnosed with an eating disorder or showing early signs, here are some suggestions to help.

Advice for parents Eating disorders NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Relationships

Relationships can be challenging, and it is important to know that there are services which are designed to support families and individuals during difficult periods. 

Relate

You can arrange counselling sessions whenever it’s convenient for you. They can provide specialist counselling for a wide range of relationship issues – not just couple relationships.

https://www.relate.org.uk/aboutus/contactus

0300 0030396 – Telephone Counselling (Monday-Thursday: 8am to 8pm, Friday

8am-6pm, Saturday 9am–1pm)

Supportline

https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/relationshipsandfamily/

Advice Line: 01708 765200

The Spark

Sometimes we all need some professional support to work through our relationship difficulties. The Relationship Helpline is a free phone line for anyone struggling with a relationship issue or its impact on their mental health. It offers immediate support and is completely confidential.

https://www.thespark.org.uk/

Advice line: 0808 802 2088

 

Domestic Abuse

Harbour

This charity provides assistance to families and individuals affected by domestic abuse. 

https://www.myharbour.org.uk/

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Free, confidential, 24 hour helpline.

https://www.starsdorset.org

Advice line: 0808 2000 247 

Family Break up

Family support 

Relate

Relate has increased the availability of our highly trained counsellors to support everyone’s relationships.

https://www.relate.org.uk/relationshiphelp/helpseparationanddivorce

 Young Minds

If you’re worried about how your relationship break-up might affect your child, here is our advice and information on where you can get help.

https://youngminds.org.uk/findhelp/forparents/parentsguidetosupportaz/parentsguidetosupportdivorceorseparation/

Supporting Families

Have you reached a point where you are questioning where your relationship might be going, or have things changed and you aren’t sure how to get your relationship back on track? It is natural for relationships to change over time, but it can very easy to slip into complacency and to start taking each other for granted

https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/yourfamily/relationshipadvice/relationshipproblems/

Substance abuse

https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/yourfamily/relationshipadvice/relationshipproblems/

In Stockton:

You can access drug and alcohol support through the councils Change, Grow, Live website. They offer crisis information, a chat service and advice for those supporting a child or young adult. 

Change Grow Live | Charity | We can help you change your life

Physical illnesses and disabilities

Coping with a child who has a long-term illness or a physical disability can be a lifechanging experience. And parents who are dealing with their own or their partner’s medical condition can find life a real challenge. There is support out there.

Community Integrated Care

Provides a wide range for of care and support for people with physical disabilities, meeting their health, personal and social needs.  Our focus is on maximising independence and enabling people to live full lives.

https://www.c-i-c.co.uk/specialisms/physical-disabilities

Enquiry Hotline: 0845 543 9911

Home Start

Their volunteers may be able to support you. If you have just received a diagnosis, are attending hospital appointments, or are looking for financial help for medical equipment or to adapt your home – you work out with them how they can help you best.

https://www.homestart.org.uk/disabilityandillness

Scope – Equality for Disabled People

They provide practical information and emotional support when it’s most needed. https://www.scope.org.uk/

Advice Line: 0808 800 3333 – Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun, 10am-6pm

Citizens Advice

Providing advice on issues such as debt management and welfare benefits, housing, immigration and asylum, employment, consumer complaints and landlord-tenant disputes. https://www.citizensadvicebcp.org.uk

Advice Line: 0344 411 1444

Terminal Illness web links

Marie Curie

Our trained Helper volunteers and advisers are here for you with practical information and support when you don’t know what to do next or just need to talk.

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/who

NHS

There’s no right or wrong way to feel when you’re told you have a terminal illness. This website gives practical advice.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endoflifecare/copingwithaterminalillness/

Cancer Research

Information about the services and support that is out there.

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/aboutcancer/coping/dyingwithcancer/copingwiththenews/findingoutyouaredying

Financial help if you are dealing with terminal illness

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/aboutcancer/coping/dyingwithcancer/copingwiththenews/findingoutyouaredying

Cancer Support

Macmillan.org

Talking about cancer can be tough. Cancer information and support specialists offer a listening ear and can talk about whatever matters to you. They can also offer guidance and help you find the right information and support in your area.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotionalhelp/macmillan-support-line

Advice line: 0808 808 00 00 – available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm

Cancer Support UK

Provides practical and emotional support to people with cancer, during and after the treatment period.

https://cancersupportuk.org/ Advice line: 020 3983 7616

Cancer Support Groups

South Tees (James Cook) Hospital offer a wide range of cancer support groups.  Local support groups South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust  

Bereavement

Grief is a natural process, but it can be devastating. There are many agencies and charities who are here to support you after the death of someone close, including how to cope with grief and where you can find support close to home. Cruse Bereavement Care

https://www.cruse.org.uk/

Helpline: 0808 808 1677

The Compassionate Friends Bereavement Support

https://www.tcf.org.uk/

Helpline: 0345 123 2304 – Daily from 10am – 4pm and 7pm – 10pm

Winston’s Wish 

A childhood bereavement charity that focuses on giving practical support and guidance bereaved children, their families and professionals.  

Winston’s Wish giving hope to grieving children (winstonswish.org)

NHS Bereavement Support Officer

The Bereavement Support Officer can help you with many of the practical issues and arrangements following the death of a loved one.

The bereavement support officers can be contacted on the following numbers from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm (except bank holidays).

University Hospital of North Tees
01642 383286

South Tees (James Cook) Hospital
01642 835638

University Hospital of Hartlepool

01429 522042

 

Helpful Articles

The discomfort you’re feeling is grief

https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief

 

Advice for parents/carers

The government has produced a useful webpage listing sources of advice and support for keeping children safe. The guide includes information about:

  • Protect children from domestic abuse
  • Teenage relationship abuse
  • Child sexual abuse and exploitation
  • Sexual assault referral centres
  • Crime, Criminal Exploitation and County Lines, violence and gangs
  • Protect children from radicalisation
  • Prevent
  • Online child safety
  • Mental health

Government Publication – Coronavirus Covid 19 – Keeping Children Safe from Abuse and Harm – Advice to Parents

 

Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Week 2022

This week, we have been shining a spotlight on children’s mental health. At the Glebe, we love to sing. It makes us happy! We hope our singing makes you happy too!