Mental Health & Well-being

Mental health is a state of well‐being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope  with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to  her or his community. (World Health Organization) 

At our school, we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our staff and student body.   We pursue this aim using both universal, whole school approaches and specialised, targeted approaches  aimed at vulnerable students.   

In addition to promoting positive mental health, we aim to recognise and respond to mental health or emotional well-being issues.  In an  average classroom, three children will be suffering from a diagnosable mental health issue.  By developing  and implementing practical, relevant and effective mental health policies and procedures we can promote a  safe and stable environment for students affected both directly, and indirectly by mental health or emotional well-being issues. Our Mental Health Policy can be found here.

How to spot a concern

• Physical signs of harm that are repeated or appear non‐accidental
• Changes in eating / sleeping habits   
• Increased isolation from friends or family, becoming socially withdrawn
• Changes in activity and mood 
• Lowering of academic achievement 
• Talking or joking about self‐harm or suicide 
• Abusing drugs or alcohol 
• Expressing feelings of failure, uselessness or loss of hope  
• Changes in clothing e.g. long sleeves in warm weather  
• Secretive behaviour 
• Skipping PE or getting changed secretively 
• Lateness to or absence from school 
• Repeated physical pain or nausea with no evident cause 
• An increase in lateness or absenteeism 

Where to go for help

• www.mind.org.uk
• www.minded.org.uk
• www.selfharm.co.uk
• www.nshn.co.uk
• www.depressionalliance.org/information/what‐depression
• www.anxietyuk.org.uk
• www.ocduk.org/ocd
• www.papyrus‐uk.org
• www.nspcc.org.uk
• www.b‐eat.co.uk/about‐eating‐disorders
• www.relatelondonsw.org
• www.phoenixcounselling.org 
• www.richmondcarers.org
• www.richmondwellbeingservice.nhs.uk
• www.cruse.org.uk
• www.addictionsupport.co.uk
• www.achievingforchildren.org.uk/emotional-health-service/

The stages of developing a 'can do' attitude.

Further information and practical advice can be found here

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mindfulness/?
• https://www.headspace.com/kids

Mindfulness

What is it? "It's about allowing ourselves to see the present moment clearly. When we do that, it can positively change the way we see ourselves and our lives." Mark Williams, former director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre

At Turing House we are incredibly lucky to have two members of staff who are trained as Mental Health First Aiders. Hannah Gidlow (SEN Practitoner) and Katie Poynton (Inclusion Practitioner) are both Youth Mental Health First Aid Champions who can support students with mental health issues.    

What is Mental First Aid?

First aid is the help given to an ill or injured person before medical treatment can be obtained. Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help given to a young person experiencing a mental health issue before professional help is obtained. The aims of Youth MHFA are to:

• Preserve life where a young person may be a danger to themselves or others
• Intervene to prevent the emotional or mental health issue developing into a more serious state
• Provide comfort to a young person experiencing a mental health issue
• Empower a young person to access appropriate professional help
• Promote the recovery of good mental health
• Raise awareness of mental health issues in the community
• Reduce stigma and discrimination

Currently, only around a quarter of people who need treatment for mental ill health receive it. With access to an adult with MHFA skills we can provide early intervention in guiding a young person to the support they need.We also have access to other external agencies.

We have developed two posters to help students develop positive attitudes. Both are inspired by Lauren Childs who has seen the work and has placed it on her own website!

Unsuccessful people V Successful people 

The School fully supports initiatives such as World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Week. During these events we will put on additional sessions in tutor time, hold special assemblies, produce displays and share the yearly message of each event.

We also hold parent workshops to help parents support the mental health and well being of our students. Information on a recent session regarding the 'Adolescent Brain' can be found here. feedback from this session has been incredibly positive. 'I came away with a greater understanding of my son and a feeling that I am better equipped mentally and emotionally to assist him.'