Mental Health
As we all know, it is not only vital that we look after our physical health but that we also maintain a healthy Mental state. This is an area devoted to promoting positive Mental Health by providing suitable websites and resources that offer help and guidance to those in need. It will also help to tackle the stigma surrounding Mental Health by debunking myths and misconceptions. Promoting good Mental Health is something that everyone at Whickham School believes in deeply and all of our Pastoral and Student Support Team have been trained in Mental Health First Aid.
We have access to a range of specialist mental health support, both in-school and working with external agencies. We have a dedicated mental health team in school, including a full-time school counsellor; we also work closely with the NHS RISE Team of mental health educational practitioners and CYPS (Children and Young People Services). If your child is struggling with anxiety, confidence or any other aspect of mental health, we will act swiftly to make sure support is put in place through our referral process. If you have any queries at all relating to mental health in school, please contact Dan Crosland, Assistant Headteacher, or use the following email address: mhsupport@whickhamschool.org.
Below are further resources you may find helpful and informative.
Need someone to talk to?
The Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way, about whatever’s getting to you. 24 hours a day 365 days a year. For an immediate response call 116 123.
The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to them via online, social or free, confidential helpline.
NSPCC provide information about child protection, advice for adults who are worried about a child, advice for parents and carers or consultations with professionals who come into contact with abused children or children at risk of abuse.
Support Line offer confidential emotional support to children, young adults and adults by telephone, email and post. They work with callers to develop healthy, positive coping strategies, an inner feeling of strength and increased self-esteem to encourage healing, recovery and moving forward with life.
Useful Mental Health Links
Talking Therapies Gateshead are a team of experienced workers offering a free, confidential service for people aged over 16 and registered with a GP in Gateshead. The provide a range of psychological therapies to help you feel better if you’re anxious, depressed, stressed or worried.
Talking Changes Durham provides a service to those aged 16+ who are experiencing a common mental health problem such as; depression, generalized anxiety, specific phobias, panic, obsessive compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder and who are not already accessing adult mental health services.
Young Minds can help whether you want to know more about how you’re feeling, get information about a mental health condition or want know what support is available to you
No Panic helps people who suffer from Panic Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and other related anxiety disorders including those people who are trying to give up Tranquillizers. They also provide support for the carers of people who suffer from anxiety disorders
Saneline work to improve the quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness.
The Mental Health Foundation is the UK’s charity for everyone’s mental health. With prevention at the heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems.
Rethink provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems. They give people clear relevant information on everything from treatment and care to benefits and employment rights.
On My Mind aims to empower young people to make informed choices about the mental health support they want, the treatments they receive and the outcomes they desire. The site contains information, advice and resources to help young people support their own mental health, including signposting to sources of support in times of crisis and tools to help young people manage their own wellbeing
Papyrus Hopeline UK providing support for children & young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and for anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.
Kooth provide free, safe anonymous help for young people on-line
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) for men is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK
If You Care Share – believe that talking can save lives and encourage people to share their problems instead of burying them within.
NHS Mental Health Services Directory
Time to Change campaign to change the way people think and act about mental health problems
The Mental Health Foundation Website to gives you more information about mental health and to help you to look after your mental health
Tyneside & Northumberland MIND support for anyone experiencing mental health problems or going through a difficult time
