Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mental Health and Well-Being

At Spring Lane Primary school, we are committed to supporting the positive mental health and well-being of our whole school community (children, staff, parents and carers). We recognise that mental health and well-being is just as important to our physical health. As a school we will –

• Endeavour to ensure that children are able to manage times of change and how to deal with stress.
• Aim to ensure that they are supported to reach their potential or access help when they need it.
• Have a role to ensure that the 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.

As a school we know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable. During these times anyone may need some additional emotional support. As a school we take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play to support each other.

Teaching about Mental Health and Well-being

At Spring Lane Primary School we take a whole school approach to promoting positive mental health and well-being, aiming to help children become more resilient, happy and successful and to work in a pro-active way to avoid problems arising. We do this by:

• Creating and applying consistent ethos, policies and behaviours that support mental health and resilience, and which everyone understands.
• Help children to understand their emotions and feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries with trusted adults within the setting.
• Helping children develop social relationships, support each other and seek help when they need it.
• Promoting self-esteem and ensure children know that they count in their world
• Encourage children to be confident and develop new skills
• Help children to develop emotional resilience and how to face challenges
• Teaching children social and emotional skills and an awareness of mental health
• Identifying children who may be struggling with some mental health challenges and planning support to meet their needs, including working with specialist services, parents and carers
• Supporting and training staff to develop their skills and their own resilience
• Develop an open culture where it’s normal to talk about mental health. 

At Spring Lane Primary we have designated leaders for mental health 

• Lucy Robinson – Mental Health Lead
• Carol Bull  - Mental Health Lead / Pastoral and Family Support 
• Mr Ollie Drage – PSHE Leader

Supportive and Helpful Links

Resources to support children around death of a loved one

How to get support:

National Freephone Helpline*: 08088 020 021 (open 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday)

ASK email support: ask@winstonswish.org

Crisis Messenger: Text WW to 85258 (available 24/7)

Online chat: click here (available 12-4pm, Wednesdays and Fridays)

*In order to protect our staff, our Helpline is currently operating a remote service. Please leave a message on our voicemail with your first name and a contact number (with area code) and a Helpline Practitioner will call you back from a withheld number as soon as possible.

NSPCC Mental Health and Wellbeing Assembly Shared to the Children

At Spring Lane Primary School, children’s wellbeing is considered a great importance and we would like to help you support your child with this during any period of isolation or remote learning. The link below is to support your child’s wellbeing, mental and physical health. 

Action for Happiness - The Covid-19 pandemic brings big challenges for our mental health, whether you're isolating at home or trying to live with the new restrictions. This program can help you cope and find a little more happiness in these difficult times.  Link below:

Here are the latest top 10 tips to help maintain good wellbeing and mental health at this difficult time:

1. Routine

Try and keep to some sort of routine throughout the week. We all love to lie in but getting up at a normal time will help you feel better and give you the rest of the day to enjoy and complete any tasks you may have.

2. Keep talking

It is difficult not being able to see friends and family however social media when used appropriately can be an extremely good way of keeping in touch with those you love! Always remember to be kind.

3. Exercise

There is a reason why the government is allowing us to exercise, this is because it is an excellent way to maintain good mental and physical health. This might be going for a walk, run, Joe Wicks workout, football in your garden.

4. Set yourself a project

Now is a great time to set yourself a challenge to achieve over time. It might be a craft, reorganising your bedroom, doing things for others, gardening or learning something new.

5. Sleep

A good nights sleep is really important in feeling well the next day. So put your phones away at a set time and aim to get 7- 8 hours minimum each night.

6. Healthy eating

Eating sensibly will help our body and minds to stay active and healthy. Remember to drink lots of water and try where possible to have a balanced diet.

7. Limit news content

Coronavirus news is everywhere! Often newspapers and the media can make us worry and become anxious. It is ok to stay in touch with what is going on from trustworthy sources but limit how much you do this!

8. Take time to relax

You have more time on your hands than you are used to. It is a perfect time to spend time with your family in your household, watch a movie, listen to music, read a book, draw or paint.

9. Keep your mind active

Doing a daily activities, reading, puzzles, quiz or your school work are all examples of great ways to keep your mind active and engaged.

10. Do something for others

What better way to make ourselves feel good than by doing something to help others feel good! This could be helping with shopping, fundraising, writing a letter to those who a vulnerable.

Parents and carers.

Parents or carers should approach their child/children’s class teacher if they have any mental health concerns. This will be cascaded to the Mental Health Leader for assessment. In addition to offering universal support within school, we may also discuss with you additional support mechanisms available to you from the following agencies:

• School Nursing Service Northampton (providing links to support parent/ Carers)  
• CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)
• Referral management centre
• Mental Health First Aider
• Counselling support