Positive mental health and wellbeing – community links
Shoscombe Church School takes the emotional health and wellbeing of every child seriously, providing multiple opportunities through our curriculum and wider opportunities to help children build resilience and support them to be mentally healthy. This page outlines local agencies that can further support you and your child to maintain positive mental health.
We all have ups and downs in life but in childhood it can be particularly hard to cope with sad feelings and worries that arise when things are hard or scary. There may be times when your child is unhappy or struggling emotionally. You may notice that they seem low or worried or that their behaviour changes. We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.
If you are worried about your child’s mental health then you are not alone. Many parents and carers have similar worries and stresses . There is good support available from local and national organisations. The sooner you seek help the better for your child and you.
The leaflet: Mental health problems in children and young people: guidance for parents and carers provides some useful tips for helping your child plus links to local and national services.
Local services for children & young people
The School
Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better. Mrs Noall or Mrs Rorison are always happy to talk to parents and our Parent Support Advisor, Charlotte Webb, can talk with you too.
Your GP
A GP can check any physical symptoms linked to your child’s health and talk with you about their emotional well-being making a referral to a specialist service if necessary.
Parents/carers can contact the Bath and North East Somerset School Nurse Service for advice and support on a range of health issues.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
A free NHS service that assesses and treats 0-18-year olds with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
Children and young people aged 11 and over are also able to access support themselves from B&NES Kooth. This provides links to advice as well as online counselling.
Off the Record Counselling service for young people aged 11 and over
Websites that offer information and advice
The following organisations provide reliable information and advice to help parent/carers to support their child when experiencing emotional difficulties :-
Young Minds: – Help for Parents
Information about all aspects of child mental health, including a Parent Helpline 0800 802 5544
You’re Never too Young to Talk Mental Health
Leaflet for parent/carers of primary aged children
Taking Mental Health with Young People at Secondary School:
Advice for parents and carers of primary aged young people
Self-Care – Top Tips for Young Parents and Carers
Advice for taking care of your own and child’s wellbeing
Lots of information and tips for children of all ages about feelings and difficult situations
Free learning resource about mental health for parents and carers
Lots of information about health topics including mental health, organised under different age groups i.e under 5’s primary age, secondary age, young adults
Leaflets on a range of topics to support your family’s mental health
24/7 text messaging help service for parents
Expert led podcasts to help you understand and support mental health issues
Looking after your own mental health
In order to support your child, you need to stay strong and well yourself. It isn’t easy being a parent or carer especially when you are experiencing problems of your own such as relationship difficulties, money worries, problems with work. Often it helps to talk to someone, so don’t be scared about doing this, with friends, family, your GP or a support service. The following organisations can also offer information and advice to help you.
Directory and database of groups, activities and courses in the B&NES community that can support. adult wellbeing.
Accessed through G.P or self-referral for those aged 16 and above living in B&NES
MyScript- Social prescribing service
Available to anyone registered with a GP in B&NES. This service provides support in finding specialist services and community groups to help individuals experiencing mental health and wellbeing issues to take control of their situation.
B&NES Community Wellbeing Hub Local information on a wide range of issues including physical health, wellbeing, housing and employment advice.
Tel: 01225 316199
Samaritans. Tel: free confidential listening service 116 123
NHS Choices: moodzone. Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing
CALM Campaign against living miserably
Information and help around mental health particularly focussing on men
Agencies and services to support parents and carers in vulnerable situations
LiveWell in B&NES. Links to a range of services supporting physical, social and emotional needs. Includes Ofsted registered childcare, parenting support, groups, clubs and events. Signposts to organisations, services, support, activities and groups for children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND additional needs
Independent charity that provides free, impartial advice and information on a range of issues including housing, employment and debt.
The information on this page has been provided by B&NES Council Public Health & Protection Team
