- Home
- Our School
- Wellbeing
- Parent's Wellbeing
Parent's Wellbeing
Useful contacts
Kooth is a free, online counselling services where under – 18s can chat anonymously to a trained counsellor.
Young Minds says: We’re leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges. We’re here to make sure they get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties.
Are you a young person in crisis?
Text the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger, for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.
If you need urgent help text YM to 85258. All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors. Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.
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.
The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust says: Our vision is of a world where people understand and talk openly about depression, where young people know how to maintain wellbeing, and where the most appropriate treatment is available to everyone who needs it.
Mind UK says: We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.
or
Childline says: We’re here for you, whatever’s on your mind. We’ll support you. Guide you. Help you make decisions that are right for you.
Our tips and techniques, ideas and inspiration, can help you feel more in control. And you can access them in your own time, at your own pace!
NHS Live Well offers ‘Advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing’
Contact the Virgin Care Wiltshire School Health Nurse team on 07480 635513
Useful website which has a parents guide to supporting their son / daughter during the exam period.www.reading-well.org.uk
Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading. The books are all chosen and endorsed by health experts, as well as by people living with the conditions covered and their relatives and carers.
Useful leaflet to help families dealing with bereavement during covid
Healthy Minds and Wellbeing at Kingdown School
We are aware that mental and emotional wellbeing are becoming increasing priorities in the care and progression of young people. The information below has been gathered via the training and professional development of key members of pastoral staff at Kingdown, with the intention of outlining services we can offer as a school, as well as basic measures parents can take at home, to nurture their child’s mental and emotional needs.
How can I encourage my child to keep a healthy mind?
There are many things you can do to encourage your son or daughter to keep a healthy mind, including:
- Encourage a healthy and balanced diet which will help your child feel energetic and awake during the day.
- Ensure they have an appropriate amount of sleep (the NHS recommends 9 hours per night).
- Monitor your child’s social media use and content they are exposed to online.
- Reinforce positive attitudes and use affirming language.
- Restrict the usage of the internet and technology, particularly at bedtime.
- Support your child in undertaking regular exercise and physical activity.
What might be the signs of an unhealthy mind?
Signs that your child may be struggling with their emotional and mental wellbeing might include:
- If your child appears frequently worried or anxious.
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
- School refusal.
- If your child begins to appear withdrawn.
- If your child begins to appear unusually tired or drained.
(Please note that these signs do not exclusively suggest mental health issues. If in doubt, please see below)
Who should I talk to if I am worried about my child’s mental health?
It is important to seek help if you are having concerns about your child’s emotional or mental wellbeing. Appropriate avenues include:
- Open and honest conversations between parent and child as a starting point.
- Visiting your child’s GP.
- Discussion with your child’s tutor and Head of House.
- Contacting the School Nurse to discuss counselling sessions.
- External agencies and organisations (please see other sections on the ‘Healthy Minds and Wellbeing’ section of the Kingdown website).
