At Gorse Hill Primary School, we are committed to supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of our children and staff. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and that at times we could all need additional support. We believe good mental health is everyone’s concern and all of us have a role to play in supporting this. Our mental health and wellbeing policy sets out how we do this.

At our school we:

• Help children to understand their emotions and feelings
• Support children to feel comfortable sharing concerns and worries
• Help children to form good relationships across the school
• Promote self-esteem and help children understand that they matter
• Encourage children to be confident and willing to try new things
• Help children to develop resilience and handle emotional setbacks

If you are worried about your child’s mental health then you are not alone. Many parents and carers have similar worries and stresses . There is good support available from local and national organisations. The sooner you seek help the better for your child and you.

If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing, please contact the school and speak to Becky Thompson or Ros Ginger.

As part of the White Horse Federation we are dedicated to provide a supportive and positive learning environment for our students. As part of this we use the ‘Mental Health red lights in children and young people – guidance for staff and parents on what to look out for’.

The leaflet: Mental health problems in children and young people: guidance for parents and carersprovides some useful tips for helping your child plus links to local and national services.

Local services for children & young people

• The School

Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better.

• Your GP

A GP can check any physical symptoms linked to your child’s health and talk with you about their emotional well-being making a referral to a specialist service if necessary.

• The School Nurse

Parents/carers can contact the Swindon School Nurse Service for advice and support on a range of health issues.

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and Target Mental Health Services (TAMHS)

A free NHS service that assesses and treats 0-18-year olds with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. For your child to be referred to this service, please speak to Becky Thompson at Gorse Hill or contact your GP.

• · Kooth

Children and young people aged 11 and over are able to access support themselves from Swindon Kooth. This provides links to advice as well as online counselling.

Websites that offer information and advice

The following organisations provide reliable information and advice to help parent/carers to support their child when experiencing emotional difficulties :-

Young Minds: - Help for Parents

Information about all aspects of child mental health, including a Parent Helpline 0800 802 5544

You’re Never too Young to Talk Mental Health

Leaflet for parents/carers of primary aged children

Self-Care – Top Tips for Young Parents and Carers

Advice for taking care of your own and child’s wellbeing

Childline

Lots of information and tips for children of all ages about feelings and difficult situations

Minded for Families

Free learning resource about mental health for parents and carers

Happy Maps

Lots of information about health topics including mental health, organised under different age groups i.e. under 5’s primary age, secondary age, young adults

Charlie Waller Trust

Leaflets on a range of topics to support your family’s mental health

Shout

24/7 text messaging help service for parents. Crisis messenger can help with urgent issues such as: suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm, bullying, relationship issues

HopeLineUK

0800 068 41 41 or 07860 039967

Hope Line UK is a confidential support and advice service for: children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide

Looking after your own mental health

In order to support your child, you need to stay strong and well yourself. It isn’t easy being a parent or carer especially when you are experiencing problems of your own such as relationship difficulties, money worries, problems with work. Often it helps to talk to someone, so don’t be scared about doing this, with friends, family, your GP or a support service. The following organisations can also offer information and advice to help you.

Live Well Swindon Hub Local information on a wide range of issues including physical health, wellbeing, housing and employment advice.

Swindon Mind

Tel: 01793 432031

Samaritans. Tel: free confidential listening service 116 123

NHS Choices: moodzone. Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression.

CALM Campaign against living miserably: Information and help around mental health particularly focussing on men

Agencies and services to support parents and carers in vulnerable situations

Live Well Swindon Hub. Links to a range of services supporting physical, social and emotional needs. Includes Ofsted registered childcare, parenting support, groups, clubs and events. Signposts to organisations, services, support, activities and groups for children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND additional needs

Citizens Advice Swindon

Independent charity that provides free, impartial advice and information on a range of issues including housing, employment and debt.