Wellbeing and mental health

We have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and staff can get the advice and help they need.

The list below is not exhaustive, and many other useful organisations and services exist, but it is hoped that these will help children, young people and adults navigate the key resources and get the support they deserve.

General information relevant to children and young people’s wellbeing and mental health 

These resources are dedicated to children and young people’s general mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on mindfulness with developing coping skills in young people. 

 

  • NHS Apps library helps people find apps and online tools to help manage their health and wellbeing. For example:
  • Calm Harm is designed to help people resist or manage the urge to self-harm. 
  • Catch it helps people manage feelings like anxiety and depression and improve mental wellbeing. 
  • The Student health app is designed to reduce your worries, feel more confident and get the support you need at what can be a challenging time for any student. 
  • Students Against Depression is a website offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.
  • Togetherall is available for students at eligible universities and colleges who are feeling stressed, anxious, low or not coping. It provides an anonymous online community who share troubles and support each other. It is a safe space as it is moderated by trained professionals who are available 24/7. 
  • Place2Be has a host of mental health resources available. They organise Children’s Mental Health Week every year. 

  • SafeSpot is an iPhone and Android app that promotes positive mental wellbeing in children and young people and has been designed to help children and young people with their coping skills.  

  • MindEd’s advice and resources for families on supporting children’s mental health. This includes the Education Hub (which hosts a short Wellbeing for Education Return training webinar for education staff as well as more in-depth content covering wellbeing and resilience, bereavement and loss, stress, trauma, anxiety and low mood). 
  • BBC’s wellbeing resources for families. 
  • Mentally Healthy Schools: tools to support an emotional check-in with pupils. 
  • Mentally Healthy Schools: an anxiety thermometer as a wellbeing measurement tool. 
  • NHS: Mental Health Helplines for Urgent Help – NHS 24-hour advice and support for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for. Help is available to speak to a mental health professional. 
  • NHS IAPT: free online NHS adult psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for common problems involving stress, anxiety and depression. IAPT services can be accessed either through a self-referral by contacting your Local IAPT or via your GP. 

  • Public Health England Every Mind Matters: Looking After Your Mental Health Resources aims to support everyone to feel more confident in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing by promoting a range of self-care actions. 

  • Public Health England: Every Mind Matters Self-Care Tool when you complete the 5 ‘Survey’ questions, a ‘Mind Plan’ is generated, with signposting options to many useful resources. 

“Effective Pastoral Support: The pastoral team provides good support for vulnerable pupils, helping them stay safe and enjoy healthy relationships.“

Ofsted Report

“Engaged and Resilient Pupils: Pupils listen carefully, focus well on their activities, are keen to join discussions, and demonstrate resilience when facing difficulties.“

Ofsted Report

“Strong Early Years Provision: The early years provision is effective, with strong relationships between adults and pupils, a well-organized environment, and activities that enthuse children.“

Ofsted Report

“Pupils Enjoy School: Pupils are enthusiastic about their lessons and enjoy attending school.“

Ofsted Report

“Broad Curriculum: Leaders provide a broad range of subjects, which are well-planned, helping pupils remember what they learn.“

Ofsted Report

“Calm and Orderly Environment: The school environment is described as calm and orderly, with good behavior from pupils.“

Ofsted Report

“High Expectations from Leaders: School leaders have high expectations, understand what needs to improve, and staff work well together to share ideas and support each other.“

Ofsted Report

“Focus on Reading: There is a strong emphasis on teaching reading, with high-quality training for teachers and effective support for pupils who need extra help.“

Ofsted Report

“Supportive and Safe Environment: Pupils feel safe, understand that bullying is rare, and know that adults are there to help if needed.“

Ofsted Report

“Extra-curricular Activities: Extra-curricular clubs are well attended, and pupils regularly go on school trips that enhance their classroom learning.“

Ofsted Report

“Effective Safeguarding: Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff understanding their responsibilities and providing good support for vulnerable pupils.“

Ofsted Report

“Ambitious for SEND Pupils: Leaders are ambitious for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive good support and achieve well.“

Ofsted Report