Mental Health
Mental health and wellbeing: information for parents and carers
Ashton Keynes CE Primary School take the emotional health and wellbeing of every child seriously. We believe that the school can help pupils build resilience and support them to be mentally healthy. Our mental health and wellbeing policy sets out how we do this. You can find it on this page of our website Wellbeing Team (akps.org.uk)
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 We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.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.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead Samantha Saville Head teacher
Qualified Designated Senior Mental Health Lead
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. You can make an appointment via the school office in person, 01285 861436 or office@ashtonkeynes.wilts.sch.uk
- 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.
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
Wiltshire CAMHS | Oxford Health CAMHSOxford Health CAMHS
A free NHS service that assesses and treats 0-18-year olds with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
- TIC+ www.ticplus.org.uk
Children and young people living in Gloucestershire can access via their parents from Teens in Crisis plus charity. This website provides links to advice as well as online counselling for pupils and support for parents and carers. There is an anonymous chat function for young people aged 9 to 25.
- Free text message service for people living in Wiltshire who need someone to talk to about their mental health or are struggling to cope for free and confidential text message support that won’t appear on your bill text: WILTS to 85258
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 :-
https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/1407/Mental-health-and-wellbeing
This contains links to lots of support and advice for people living in Wiltshire
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
Child Mental Health & Wellbeing – 10 Top Tips for Parents
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
Anna Freud Centre – a leaflet about mental health for parents of young children: www.annafreud.org/media/7228/tmh-parent-leaflet-final-all-approved-laid-out-for-web.pd
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.
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
Parents’ Mental Health & Wellbeing – 10 Top Tips for Parents
Information and help around mental health particularly focussing on men
Mental Health Crisis support
If you or someone you know aged 11 up needs help in mental health crisis.
Living in Gloucestershire:
Help in Crisis www.ghc.nhs.uk
Living in Wiltshire:
AWP www.awp.nhs/contact-us/help-emergency 24/7 Mental Health support for adults in Wiltshire
If in immediate danger risk call the police on 999.
Agencies and services to support parents and carers in vulnerable situations
Citizens Advice
Independent charity that provides free, impartial advice and information on a range of issues including housing, employment and debt. www.citizensadvice.org.uk
GDASS
Supports adults and teens 13 plus and their families who live in Gloucestershire with domestic abuse/ harmful relationships.
