Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.  We all have mental health.  Our mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It also impacts on how we cope, interact and form relationships with others, as well as our daily functioning.  The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as:

• Being able to cope with life's stresses
• Realising your abilities
• Learning well
• Working well
• Contributing to your community

Mental health is an essential part of health.  Some characteristics of good mental health include:

• Being able to learn
• Being able to feel, express, and manage a range of emotions
• Being able to form and maintain good relationships
• Being able to cope with change and uncertainty

Sometimes our mental health can cause us problems - when our emotions become increasingly overwhelming and difficult to manage, they can affect our ability to live life as we normally would do.

Immediate  sources of support for Mental Health

If you feel that your child is in need of immediate support, the NHS are the best people to consult.

• Your GP
• Call 111 or consult NHS 111 online NHS 111 online 

• Call 999 if it is an emergency and your child needs urgent help

It is best to talk to your child about your concerns if you can.  

Talking about Mental Health – Difficult Conversations

• CAMHS - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.  Your GP or the school can make a referral.  The website has links to other services you may find helpful as well as information on what to do in a crisis and different types of mental health concerns CAMHS Buckinghamshire
• Bucks Mental Health Support Team (MHST) - supports children and young people who have difficulties with their mental health and emotional wellbeing, including anxiety, low mood and challenges with behaviour, confidence and self-esteem.  Provide support both individually and in groups to young people and parents.  Referrals are made via school so please speak to your Head of Year or Raising Achievement Officer Bucks MHST 
• Young Minds - a charity that offers information and advice to young people, parents and carers.  Their website includes an A-Z guide to mental health and a parents helpline, as well as numerous resources aimed at providing direct support to young people.  Includes support for parents concerned about their child’s gaming habits YoungMinds
• Bucks Mind - not specifically for young people but offer a range of different services including self referral to a counselling service for young people Bucks Mind 
• Cruse Bereavement Support - providing help in dealing with bereavement Cruse Bereavement Support  
• Beat Eating Disorders - providing support and information about dealing with eating disorders Beat Eating Disorders 
• Childline - providing support on a wide range of topics.  Call 0800 1111 Childline 
• NSPCC - providing support on a wide range of topics around keeping children safe.  Call 0808 8005000 NSPCC 
• BBC Bitesize - useful wellbeing tips and advice for parents Family wellbeing BBC Bitesize 
• GamCare - support for anyone affected by gambling GamCare 
• The National Centre for Gaming Disorders - provides treatment for young people who have difficulty controlling their gaming.  Their website includes a number of self help resources National Centre for Gaming Disorders 
• Youth Enquiry Service (YES) - provides free and confidential support, information and counselling to young people living in the High Wycombe area.  Call 01494 437373 YES Wycombe 
• Action4Youth The Junction - in High Wycombe, the Junction is a multi service drop in centre designed for young people aged 11-18 years.  Provides specialist support to help young people with their problems and activities for young people to get involved in Action4Youth The Junction 
• Here4YOUth Buckinghamshire (Cranstoun) - a drug and alcohol service for children and young people in Buckinghamshire Here4YOUth Buckinghamshire 
• Kooth - an online mental wellbeing community which can provide counselling support Kooth 
• Mindfulness - this is a technique you can learn which involves noticing what's happening in the present moment, without judgement. You might take notice and be aware of your mind, body or surroundings.  Mindfulness aims to help you: 

• become more self-aware
• feel calmer and less stressed
• feel more able to choose how to respond to your thoughts and feelings
• cope with difficult or unhelpful thoughts
• be kinder towards yourself.

Many people find practising mindfulness helps them manage their day-to-day wellbeing.  Our year 7 students learn some mindfulness techniques in their PSHE lessons and many find it useful.  There are different apps and websites offering mindfulness practices.

IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN

CONCERN? CLICK HERE 

Student Well-Being Support Over Weekends and Breaks

If you have any concerns about your own or someone else’s welfare or safety, you must report it. It is better to tell someone, rather than failing to tell anyone and you or the person you are worried about possibly being exposed to further risk of harm.

Please email Childprotection@prsbucks.com