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https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2021/09/03/mental-health-resources-for-children-parents-carers-and-school-staff/

Mental health resources for children, students, parents, carers and school/college staff

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Mental health resources

This article was updated on 19 March 2024 to reflect the latest information.

We have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and school and college staff can get the advice and help they need.

The list below is not exhaustive, and many other useful organisations and services exist, but it is hoped that these will help children, young people and their parents and those who work with them to navigate the key resources and get the support they deserve.

The NHS has 24-hour urgent mental health helplines available in most parts of England for people of all ages. If you have urgent concerns about a child or young person, you can find your local helpline here to discuss these with a mental health professional.

Information relevant to mild anxiety in relation to school

These resources are designed to help children and young people if they are feeling worried about school.

General information relevant to children and young people’s wellbeing and mental health

These resources are dedicated to children and young people’s general mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on mindfulness and developing coping skills in young people.

  • SafeSpot is an iPhone and Android app that promotes positive mental wellbeing in children and young people and has been designed to help children and young people with their coping skills.
  • BBC’s wellbeing resources for families.
  • Young Minds: a letter about how I’m feeling: worksheet to help young people express their feelings and understand what may have triggered them. For use with young people in school or at home.
  • NHSEvery Mind Matters:Looking After Your Mental Health Resources aims to support everyone to feel more confident in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing by promoting a range of self-care actions.
  • You can create a ‘Mind Plan’ which signposts to many useful resources.
  • Young Minds: 10 Wellbeing Tips for School Staff
  • Headspace: Headspace for Educators offers educators access to free mindfulness and meditation exercises and resources for every age group, and a free Headspace Meditation App.
  •  Togetherall  is available for students at eligible universities and colleges who are feeling stressed, anxious, low or not coping. It provides an anonymous online community who share troubles and support each other. It is a safe space as it is moderated by trained professionals who are available 24/7.
  • The Wellbeing Thesis is an online resource for postgraduate research students to support your wellbeing, learning and research.
  • Students Against Depression  is a website offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood and depression.

Seeking specialist support for children and young people

You can refer children and young people to local children and young people’s mental health services (CYPMH services). Children and young people or their parents or carers can contact their GP or speak to NHS 111 online to find out about the support available through CYPMH services.

Local CYPMH services will also have information on access on their websites, many offer self-referral or single points of access. NHS trusts have established 24-hour urgent mental health helplines in most parts of England for people of all ages. If you have urgent concerns about a child or young person, you can find your local helpline here to discuss these with a mental health professional.

And remember to refer to your local children’s services if you have any safeguarding concerns.

Issue and group specific children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing support

SEND

  • Whole School SEND is a good source of information for professionals, containing resources on responding appropriately to children and young people with SEND with emotional wellbeing needs.

Loneliness

 Bullying, harassment, and abuse 

 Bereavement support 

  • Childhood Bereavement Network has a range of resources to help schools to respond to a bereavement and to provide support to bereaved pupils and their families. It also includes signposting to local bereavement services.
  • Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families provide support to children and young people dealing with loss and bereavement and signposts to bereavement organisations and local support.  

Self-harm 

 Eating disorders 

  • Helpline: 0808 801 0677
  • Youthline: 0808 801 0711
  • Studentline: 0808 801 0811

 Suicide prevention 

  • Samaritansis a national organisation for anyone in distress and in need of immediate support:
  • Tel: 0116 123
  • Email: jo@samaritans.org

Domestic abuse 

  • Operation EncompassTeachers' Helpline staffed by educational psychologists, to support staff working with children and young people at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse (0204 513 9990, weekdays during term-time, 8-11am).

Drug and alcohol support

  • Find confidential local drug and alcohol support services here or phone 03001236600* for confidential support from Talk to Frank.

Helplines

  • Children and young people can access free confidential support anytime from Government-backed voluntary and community sector organisations by:
  • texting SHOUT to 85258 
  • calling Childline on 0800 1111 
  • calling the Mix on 0808 808 4994 or texting THEMIX to 85258 

 Workplace / organisational approaches to mental health and wellbeing

  • Workplace Health Needs Assessment Tool: and resource provides practical advice for employers on workplace health and a tool for carrying out workplace health needs assessments.
  • Developing and Evaluating Workplace Health Interventions toolkit provides guidance for employers to develop their offer of workplace health interventions.
  • Public Health England x Business in the Community ToolkitPublic Health England in collaboration with Business in the Community has developed a suite of Interconnected toolkits that take a whole person, whole system approach and have mental health as a common theme throughout. These toolkits consolidate the very best evidence, with the very best employer practice to improve workplace health, aligned with freely available resources that are useful to all employers, wherever they are on their journey.
  • Mental Health at Work: Resources, Toolkits and Case Studies. Supporting Staff Wellbeing in Schools with a rich repository of information and easily accessible resources including videos and posters.

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