Well-Being at NK
The well-being of young people and staff has always been important to the academy but mental health and emotional well-being has become even more important post-pandemic in supporting young people to navigate their increasingly complex lives both online and in the real world. All young people go through highs and lows during their school career for a whole variety of reasons and some face significant life events which impact their well-being. Our ethos is rooted in knowing students as individuals, recognising when their behaviours change and making sure they have an emotionally available adult to seek support from.
In its broadest terms, our role in school is to ensure that children are able to manage times of change and stress, and that they are supported to reach their potential or access help when they need it. We also have a role to ensure that children learn about what they can do to maintain positive mental health, what affects their mental health, how they can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and where they can go if they need help and support. This information is shared as part of our Learning for Life days and several well-being assemblies throughout the year. Staff are supported to understand signs of anxiety and students who are struggling to regulate their emotions.
In school support:
The first port of call for all young people who are struggling to cope with things is their personal tutor, the member of staff who knows them the best and the person that they see every day for PDT (Personal Development Time.)
We have a whole range of staff – both teaching and support staff – who have opted to display one of our “I’ve got time to listen if you want to talk” signs either in their classroom or office space. They are genuinely happy to be taken up on that pledge. This is in addition to our pastoral teams of the Heads of Year and Assistant Heads of Year, Mrs Vidler and Mr Richards who are to be found in Triage. The Bridge offers a calm space for intervention and time out for those with agreed Bridge plans.
We have 4 staff trained as Mental Health First Aiders. Mrs Goldsworthy and Mr Rae and Ms McGrath and Mrs Vidler (MHFA for young people) and Ms McGrath is our Senior Mental Health Lead.
Our Well-Being Assemblies have focused on the NHS 5 ways to Well-Being
More detailed information can be found here:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/
Local external support:
Here4You
If you are a parent or carer and are concerned about the mental health of your child you can contact the NHS Lincolnshire 24 hour advice and self-referral phone line:
Here4You: 0800 234 6342 or you can complete an online self-referral form.
https://www.lpft.nhs.uk/young-people/lincolnshire/young-people/self-referral/self-referral-form
Young people over the age of 13 can self-refer to the Mental Health Support Team.
National Charities and Support:
Kooth
A free, online counselling service that offers free safe, anonymous support
www.kooth.com
Their website also includes a wide range of resources to support positive mental health and emotional well-being.
Shout
This is a 24:7 confidential text counselling service for young people. Text ‘shout’ to 85258.
Young Minds
Another charity whose website includes a wealth of resources to support young people struggling with a range of situations that impact on their mental health.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk
They also have a Parents Helpline which can be accessed Monday to Friday 9:30am-4:00pm on 0808 802 5544
Urgent Support
If you believe your life or the life of a young person is at immediate risk, please dial 999 straight away or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency department.
If it is not life-threatening but you feel immediate help is needed you could contact 111 who will be able to offer advice or contact your family doctor or someone in the safeguarding or pastoral team at school who will be able to signpost you to support.
Support and advice are also available from:
Childline 0800 1111
Samaritans 116 123
