Mental Health can affect anyone,
any day of the year.
We have put together some materials and contacts for support if you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties with their mental health.
Our Mental Health policy can be found on our Centre Policies page
Kooth - online support for children and young people
Kooth provides a safe, secure means of accessing help about any subject that matters to you via the internet and New Services are now available online to support 10-18 year old’s by visiting: www.kooth.com/supportservices
Zumos - How to be Happy
Zumos are big advocates of mental health and wellbeing and believe that a little support can go a long way.
They have produced a Lockdown Wellbeing Programme which you can sign up to for free!
Useful websites for mental and physical health and wellbeing:
Beat Eating Disorders - UK based charity who provide support and guidance to anyone affected by eating disorders and their loved ones
Chat Health - secondary age pupils can text any health questions to a Hertfordshire based Public Health Nurse on 07480 635050 (Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm)
Childline - chat with a counsellor online or over the phone - 0800 1111 (24 hours)
Health for Teens - covers a range of health topics for teenagers
Healthy Young Minds - Mental health information and details of support within Hertfordshire
Just Talk - talking about mental health, for young people, parents and professionals.
Kooth - Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people
Mind - mental health information and support
Samaritans is a free 24/7 emotional support service available to people of all ages. Call 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org
The Mix - national support for young people under 25
YC Herts - Hertfordshire information and advice for young people YC Herts also have a document containing useful websites for young people. Please click here to view. YC Herts also run a Young Men's Project group on Mondays 6.30 - 8.30pm.
Young Minds - national information and advice for young people
Spot the Signs - NHS guidance for suicide prevention
Time to Change - mental health advice
Headspace - Meditation and Mindfulness information
The Ollie Foundation - suicide prevention advice
Hertfordshire County Council Parent and Carer Support
MindEd - educational resource on children & young people's mental health for all adults
Anna Freud - National Centre for Children and Families - A mental health charity
Time to Talk Day 2020 takes place on 6th February. Time to Change are running a campaign to raise awareness for mental health issues. Visit their website at Time to Change for more information.
Talking about mental health is not always easy. But starting a conversation doesn’t have to be awkward, and being there for someone can make a huge difference.
Depression
What does it look like in a young person?
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability, anger, or hostility
- Tearfulness or frequent crying
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in activities
- Poor school performance
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Restlessness and agitation
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Thoughts of death or suicide
What we do
- Weekly 1:1 mentoring
- Inform parents/ carers to refer to the GP
- Refer to our in house wellbeing councillor
- Communicate effectively with parents and carers
- Involve the student in cultured trips and experiences
- Provide hot meals and uniforms
- Praise and reward young people
What you can do
- Communicate
- Encourage social connection
- Make physical activity a priority
- Know when to seek professional help
- Support
- Take care of yourself and the rest of the family