Emotional Health and Wellbeing
Emotional wellbeing is just as important as students’ physical health.
Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits, important for mental wellbeing. These include;
- adopting healthy sleep patterns
- exercising regularly
- developing coping, problem-solving and interpersonal skills
- learning to manage emotions
It is common for adolescents to feel a range of emotions, both positive and negative. However, if negative thoughts and feelings start to affect their daily life and stop them doing the things they enjoy, or their ability to feel OK, they are likely to need support with their mental health.
Knowing what steps we can take to support our mental wellbeing can help us feel better, sleep better and have better relationships with the people around us.
If you are worried about either your own emotional health and wellbeing or that of somebody else, please speak to a member of staff at school. There are also a number of links below which can offer advice and support for young people and/or their parents/carers.
Online Counselling and Support for Young People
Kooth
Free online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop. You can get help with the following: Relationships, Exam stress, Bullying, Eating disorders, Self-harm, Life problems, General health.
42nd Street
42nd Street is a Greater Manchester young people’s mental health charity providing free and confidential services to young people who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Free online counselling support, face to face also available.
Young Minds
Useful Mental Health information, guidance and advice on their website.
Click here to visit the website.
Young Minds Crisis text service
Young people can text the Young Minds crisis messenger (also known as SHOUT) for free, confidential 24/7 support across the UK if they are experiencing a mental health crisis. Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.
Text YM to 85258
MIND
Information and support for Young People aged 11-18. Videos, tools and tips for student mental health.
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Useful Mental Health information, guidance and advice on their website.
Click here to visit the website.
Anna Freud Centre Crisis text service
The AFC Crisis Messenger text service is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope. The service is staffed by trained volunteers who will work with you to take your next steps towards feeling better.
Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.
They can help with issues such as anxiety, worry, panic attacks, bullying and depression and are there to talk at any time of day or night.
Young people in need of support can text AFC to 85258
Childline
Childline offer support, activities and tools such as, mood journal, boost your mood tool, Art box, coping kit and calming tips.
Click here to visit the calm zone.
When you call Childline you’ll get through to a counsellor, they’re there to listen and support you with anything you’d like to talk about 24/7, 7 days a week. This call is free and it won’t show on your bill.
Call free on 0800 1111
Or you can have a 1-2-1 counsellor chat online.
Manchester Chat Health
A dedicated, confidential, secure text messaging service to get confidential, professional health advice and support.
Text your School Nurse on 07507 330 205 every week day, excluding bank holidays 9am – 4pm.
Self-harm
Self-harm is any behaviour which may result in a person harming their body through their own actions. The reasons children and teenagers can self-harm are often complicated and will be different for every child or young person.
More information, advice and guidance around self-harm can be found on the sites below:
NHS
Self-care videos with tips on taking care of yourself on social media, dealing with unhelpful thoughts, sleep, dealing with change, worry and exercise.
THRIVE
Manchester THRIVE is a single point of entry to Manchester’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health offer. Young people, parent/carers and schools can refer to their service for support.
Online support for Parents and Carers
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Resources for parents and carers which offer advice and guidance to help support children and young people who may be struggling with poor mental health.
Young Minds
Call their Parents/Carers Helpline for detailed advice, emotional support and signposting about a child or young person up to the age of 25.
Call for free on 0808 802 5544 from 9:30am – 4pm, Mon – Fri.
Charlie Waller Trust
Useful information and advice for parents and carers including practical tips and guides on mental health issues in young people.
MIND
Information for parents and carers who are supporting a young person with their mental health.
Mental Health Foundation
A guide for parents and carers to help children understand, protect and sustain their mental health.
NHS
Information on looking after a child or young person’s mental health, including top tips on how to support children and young people as well as looking after your own mental health.
Click here to visit the website