"Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community." (World Health Organisation)
At Sutton In Craven Community Primary School, we are passionate about mental health and ensuring our pupils and staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and strategies required to live happy and healthy lives.
Our pastoral lead is Miss Ibbotson and our mental health lead is Miss Baldwin.
We are proud to have recently established our Wellbeing Champions, who have been trained by our Mental Health Support Team (MHST).
At our school, we support and promote positive mental health and wellbeing in the following ways:
Prevention: Creating a safe and calm environment where mental health problems are less likely, improving mental health and wellbeing of the whole school community, and equipping pupils to be resilient so that they can manage the normal stress of life effectively. This will include teaching pupils about mental wellbeing through our PSHE curriculum, which is delivered through SCARF and reinforcing this teaching through school activities and ethos.
Identification: Recognising emerging issues as early and accurately as possible.
Early support: Helping pupils to access evidence based early support and interventions.
Access to specialist support: Working effectively with external agencies to provide swift access or referrals to specialist support and treatment. We are lucky to be supported by the NHS Trailblazers Mental Health Support Team, who provide advice, signposting and support for children, staff, and parents and carers.
Have a watch of this.
Research shows there are five simple things we can do as part of our daily lives to build resilience, boost wellbeing and lower the risk of developing mental health problems. These simple actions are known internationally as the Five Ways to Wellbeing.
Five Ways to Wellbeing in action
Keep active:
- dance to your favourite song
- walk a dog
- hula hoop
- join a sports team
- play a game in the playground
- walk or cycle to school
- help in the garden
- run a race with friends
- make up your own sport
Take notice:
- look what you can see out of your window and how it changes
- paint or draw a picture of what you've seen today
- think about how you are feeling today
- listen to the sounds of nature like the wind and rain
- play I spy
- notice how your friends or family are feeling today
Connect:
- talk to your friends and family
- help a friend or neighbour
- eat a meal with your family
- make a new friend
- say hello
- bake some cakes and share them
Keep learning:
- learn a new word each day
- visit a museum or art gallery
- try out a musical instrument
- do a word search
- try a new food
- learn to cook a new recipe
- study an animal or bug
- visit a new place
- write a story or song
Give:
- smile and say thank you
- make a homemade present or card for no reason
- hold a door open for someone
- give someone you love a hug
- send your old toys to a charity shop
- share with others
- help around the house - wash the dishes or do some dusting
- listen to someone else and how they are feeling
Useful websites
Healthy Minds
https://copthorneacademy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Healthy-Minds.pdf
Mental health and wellbeing resources and services for children and young people in Bradford district and Craven
Childline Calm Zone
https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone/
For breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help let go of stress.
Every Mind Matters
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge support new Every Mind Matters advice for looking after mental wellbeing
Eating Healthily
https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/
Easy ways to eat well and move more
Wellbeing Journal for Kids
https://www.otb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/At-Home-with-Weaving-Well-...
Outside the Box has produced a free activity journal to help children to enhance their mental wellbeing through a range of activities
Young Minds
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
The UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health.
Go To
the home of wellbeing and mental health in North Yorkshire. The website helps young people find the right help and support to stay well, whatever is happening in their life
