Connect: Feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world. Teach children to connect with each other; ask someone how they are. Connect with your feelings. Take a genuine interest in other people's Well-Being. Connect with local businesses, care homes, nurseries, other settings, secondary schools.
Be Active: Physical health has a direct link to mental health. Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. Lower paced activities, like walking, have a positive impact on social skills whilst still exercising. Encourage physical activity: walking, jogging-the daily mile, play a new sport, yoga.
Take Notice: Take note of what is happening around us and how our actions and decisions affect others. Take notice of how you feel. Take notice of all of the emotions: how do they make us feel? Signs of emotions? How to get ourselves back to a calm state. Take notice of the environment and others around you.
Keep Learning: Learn something new (outside of our school curriculum) set yourself a goal and be aspirational. Setting goals has been associated with higher levels of Wellbeing. Dedicated time to research / learning something new. A New Learning Challenge e.g.: Sign language, knitting, a new sport etc.
Give: Participate in community life, help others and have a positive impact on your community. Link to a charity or environmental projects. Not just raising money; give your time, your understanding, your awareness. How can you give back to community?
Universal Support – To meet the needs of all our pupils through our overall ethos and our wider curriculum. For instance, developing resilience for all.
Additional Support – For those who may have short-term needs and those who may have been made vulnerable by life experiences such as bereavement.
Targeted Support – For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions such as well-being groups or personal mentors.
Mrs Lickiss: ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)
Mrs Clements: THRIVE Practitioner
We all have times when we have low mental wellbeing, where we feel stressed, upset or find it difficult to cope.
There are some common life events that may affect you or your child's mental wellbeing:
- Loss or bereavement.
- Relationship problems.
- Issues at school.
- Worries about money.
Everyone deserves to feel good and there are steps you or your child can take to maintain and improve your mental wellbeing:
- Build positive relationships.
- Take time for yourself.
- Look after your mental health.
- Look after your physical health.
What can we do in school to gain mental well-being?
- Be open and talk about your feelings with your friends.
- Associate yourself with positive people.
- Join an afterschool club.
- Speak to a member of staff.
- Get physically active (a healthy body and mind are closely linked).
ChatHealth- a service from the School Nurse Team
https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/gingerbread-for-single-parents/
https://youngminds.org.uk/resources/school-resources/find-your-feet-transition-tips-for-parents/
https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk/if-a-child-tells-you-about-abuse.htm
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/
http://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/family-and-friends/parents
https://booksbeyondwords.co.uk/
https://www.mindinsomerset.org.uk/
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/mental-health-and-Wellbeing/
A list of apps complied by Dorset Young Minds
http://dorsetmindyourhead.co.uk/minding-my-head/apps-for-wellbeing-and-mental-health
Stop, Breathe and Think App
https://www.stopbreathethink.com
Check in with how you're feeling and try short activities tuned to your emotions
Smiling Mind App
https://www.smilingmind.com.au
A great app with age specific mindfulness resources, including a new resource, 'Thrive Inside'.
Thrive Inside is a special program to help you stay psychologically healthy while you're spending extended periods of time at home.
Cosmic Kids Yoga and Mindfulness App
https://www.cosmickids.com
This app often has a two week trial available
