At Woodside Academy we recognise the importance of promoting positive mental health in both our children and their parents/carers. We are an Attachment Aware and Trauma Informed school so many of the strategies we use are focused on research based approaches to support the children.
We support our children by creating a safe and calm environment where mental health problems are less likely. However, if any issues do emerge then we react swiftly to ensure they are dealt with as early and accurately as possible. The early support provided will usually be from our Learning Mentor and Mental Health Champion, Mrs Brian. Some issues will be resolved by working effectively with external agencies to provide swift access or referrals to specialist support and treatment.
In addition to the above, we also recognise that our parents/carers sometimes need help supporting their children’s mental health, and in looking after their own. Below are some useful links that provide wellbeing advice for all those supporting children and young people:
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Wellbeing advice for all those supporting children and young people.
British Psychological Society (BPS)
Advice on dealing with school closures and talking to children about COVID-19.
Call 0800 1111 to get help and advice about a wide range of issues or to talk to a counsellor online.
For breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help let go of stress.
Content targeted to under 12’s.
Easy ways to eat well and move more.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge support new Every Mind Matters advice for looking after mental wellbeing.
Movement and mindfulness videos.
An online mental wellbeing community.
Mental health and wellbeing resources and services for children and young people in Bradford district and Craven.
An educational resource for all adults on children and young people’s mental health.
Advice on supporting grieving children during the coronavirus outbreak.
ThinkNinja is an app specifically designed to educate 10-18 year olds about mental health, emotional wellbeing and to provide skills young people can use to build resilience and stay well.
The UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health.
There are also some books that you might find helpful:
Think Good Feel Good – Paul Stallard
Hey Warrior – Karen Young
My Hidden Chimp – Steve Peters