Mental health - like physical health - is something we all have. Like physical health, it can range from good to poor, and can also change over time. With good mental health, children can feel confident and be more open to trying and learning new things. Mental health doesn't mean being happy all the time.
Did you know...
16 million people in the UK experience a mental illness
One in four adults will experience a mental illness at some point each year in the UK.
Three in four mental illnesses start in childhood
75% of mental illnesses start before a child reaches their 18th birthday, while 50% of mental health problems in adult life (excluding dementia) take root before the age of 15.
10% of school children have a diagnosable mental illness
In an average class of 30 young people, three will have a mental health problem. Figures show 10% of children aged 5-16 have been diagnosed with a mental health problem.
75% of young people with a mental health problem are not receiving treatment
There has been a rise in the time children are having to wait to receive treatment for complex mental health conditions, and children with depression and anxiety are often not being identified or given help.
School Dog - Nova
Research has shown many benefits to therapy and reading dogs in school settings. Sebright has introduced the access to a dog promoting emotional well-being, curiosity and engagement as an additional provision for pupils with high additional needs at school.
Ukraine
Whilst we are geographically far away from the events, many in our schools and communities will be directly affected and may have families or roots in the region.
The news and social media feeds are filled with the latest information, and some of it is very upsetting and worrying; and may not even be verified. Children listening and viewing distressing images can become frightened and fearful.
Here are some background reading resources to help you think about how adults can support children with what they are seeing or feeling.
Supporting your child if they see upsetting content online about what is happening in Ukraine:
Breathing
This year we are focusing on our breathing. Every week we have different breathing exercises we do in school and we can practice at home.
Mindfulness
Alongside Breathing we also do meditation to help with our focus and concentration.
World Mental Health Day
On this very important date for Mental Health we are learning how can we deal with our Mental Health and how can we improve it. We talked about it assemblies and in class and we got to make a speech bubble of what Mental Health is for us.
Mental Health Highlights
Mental Health Links and Apps
Parenting isn’t always easy. Although it’s often amazing and rewarding to watch your children grow, and to help them learn to be independent, it can also be really hard work.
Free downloads of over 40 one-minute meditations, reflections and visualisations making j-a-m meaningful, easy and practical for everyone to use anywhere, anytime. Watch one-minute video testimonials from those already experiencing the benefits from just-a-minute.
Talking Mental Health - YouTube
Talking Mental Health is an animation designed to help begin conversations about mental health in the classroom and beyond. The animation and accompanying re...
Apps
Aims to help young people who have lost someone feel less alone, and gives information on where they can get more support.
Teaches mindfulness meditation principles to improve wellbeing.
Interactive mood diary for monitoring, understanding and improving emotional wellbeing.
Allows people to track their mood.
To help young people build resilience to become stronger, happier and healthier. The activities use gaming techniques to tackle tough challenges.
Organisations
Provides resources and ideas for actions to reduce and prevent mental ill health.
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Tel: 0207 794 2313
Email: info@annafreud.org
Children’s mental health charity
DfE developed advice and tools to help support schools promote positive mental health and identify and help those in need.
Tel: 0808 808 1677 (weekdays 9am-5pm)
Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
Offers support, information and advice to children, young people and adults when someone dies.
Girls Friendly Society - For Girls, For Friendship, For Society
A support group for girls in Hackney during lockdown (age 5-11). A weekly zoom meeting with team-building activities after school.
Free online support for young people delivered by qualified counsellors via chat based services.
Mental Health and Behaviour in Schools
DfE developed advice and tools to help support schools promote positive mental health and identify and help those in need.
Tel; 0300 123 3393 (weekdays 9am-5pm)
Text: 86463
Email: info@mind.org
National mental health charity.
A learning programme for teachers and pupils based on Positive Psychology and mindfulness
Support to young Muslims in distress. They offer email support, a helpline and online internet counselling.
Tel: 116 123 (anytime)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Confidential emotional support service.
Tel: 0808 802 5544 (weekdays 9.30am-4pm)
Charity committed to improving emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people, and empowering parents and carers.
Tel: 0808 802 5544 (weekdays 9.30am-4pm)
Charity committed to improving emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people, and empowering parents and carers.