Emotional health and wellbeing
Good mental health and wellbeing doesn’t mean always being happy or unaffected by our experiences, but poor mental wellbeing can make it more difficult to cope with daily life. Our mental health and wellbeing can be affected because of situations we’re in, things we’re doing and things beyond our control, including other people, our physical health, and even the weather and world events.
There is still stigma around talking about mental wellbeing and how we are feeling – but not talk, and not knowing what we can do to take care of our mental wellbeing and prevent problems, can make things worse.
It is important to normalise conversations about emotional and mental health and wellbeing in school – creating environments where pupils, staff, and the wider school community feel comfortable to talk, not just about when things are hard, but also about about things that are going well and the ways we keep ourselves well. Taking a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing can lead to improved pupil wellbeing and therefore improved learning.
Essential signposting
Child and Family Health Devon (CFHD) – single point of access for mental health support. Call 0330 0245321 9am-5pm, or out of hours call 111.
Letter of Hope – Devon Partnership NHS Trust resources to provide hope and encouragement to people who are facing difficult times, including a version for young people.
Samaritans – 24/7 confidential support by phone (call 116123), email, online chat, and self-help guides.
Papyrus – 24/7 suicide prevention advice and support by phone (0800 0684141), email, or text (text 88247) for young people or those supporting young people.
SHOUT – free confidential text service open 24/7, text SHOUT to 85258.
Parental Minds – support for parents/carers and those supporting children and young people with their mental health.
My self-care plan: Primary – Anna Freud
My self-care plan: Secondary – Anna Freud
Classroom Wellbeing Toolkit – Anna Freud
Mental Health Resources for Children & Young People – Young Minds
Lesson Plans for Schools – Spark UK
Resource Hub for Teachers & Education Staff – Kooth
Resources for Schools – Mental Health Foundation
5 Steps Whole School Approach – Anna Freud
Resources for Mental Health Leads – Anna Freud
Five Ways to Wellbeing – BBC Bitesize
Developing Emotional Awareness and Listening (DEAL) – Samaritans