Emotional Support for Pupils

The emotional health of pupils is very important to us. We engage with the Emotionally Healthy Schools initiative and use the consultation drop-ins to seek support and guidance for pupils causing concern. Mrs McGuire and Mrs Vernon have both accessed training form Emotionally Healthy Schools and Mrs McGuire is a mental health first aider.

In school we support children with anxiety, introduce pupils to yoga and mindfulness techniques and raise awareness during Children's Mental Health awareness week.

As you will all be aware, many children (and adults) are struggling with anxiety at the moment due to the uncertainty of the last few years. Children's services report a huge surge in demand for support as the impact of the pandemic begins to show.

One of the main issues is separation anxiety because children don't want to leave their parents to go to school/clubs or even friends' houses. As soon as they are there, the children are fine but it might take some persuading (and some tears) to get them in!

1. You could read this article 
2. This article also has some ideas
3. We have access to a service called Emotionally Healthy Schools (You can read more here and find links to other organisations too.) If you would like us to access support from them, please speak to your class team in the first instance and they will give you  the necessary paperwork. 
4. We already have mindfulness/mental wellbeing elements built into the curriculum but staff will give more opportunity for pupils to practise the strategies during the week. 
5. We use 'My Happy Mind' in school and you can also access this at home to support your child - you will need the code 111323 https://www.learn.myhappymind.org/Customer-Parents-Resources-Activation-Code

For urgent support children, young people and their families can call the Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 145 6485 24 hours, 7 days a week 

We are always here to listen and support (even if the issue is outside of school) - so please reach out and don't struggle in silence. 

Please contact  admin@stbenedicts.cheshire.sch.uk or the headteacher if you would like support or advice.

For more support: 
https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/coronavirus-anxiety-toolkit-4/
https://www.mymind.org.uk/
https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/ 
https://www.newbeliefscbt.co.uk/ 
https://www.local.gov.uk/cheshire-easts-emotionally-healthy-schools-project  
http://www.cwp.nhs.uk/services-and-locations/services/emotionally-healthy-schools/ 

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