We are aware that there may be pressures that come with being asked to change the ways we are used to behaving. If you are or members of your family are feeling anxious, stressed or simply looking for ways to clear your minds, some of the links and resources found below may be of use. You may also want some advice on staying safe on line which can be found here.
We have also opened a new email address ecstudentwelfare@esf-schools.org.uk should you wish to talk to us about the worries you are having at this time. This will put you in touch with our welfare team and because it is unrelated to academic support, it could be used to discuss not only your child, but any worries you may have about coping at this time. Your wellbeing and safety are of huge significance and we want to support you if we can.
If you are a student who thinks they are in danger you can contact our Safeguarding team in school via email (ecstudentwelfare@esf-schools.org.uk), ITS learning by messaging Mrs Scott (welfare) or Mrs Cowey, or face-to-face with a member of the team. If you have an urgent concern outside of these times you can contact Childline or call 0800 1111. In the event of an emergency outside of school, please contact police on 999, or for police help that is not an emergency call 101.
Meditation and Relaxation
‘Virtual Hope’ guides young people through strategies for coping with stress teaching relaxation and positive thinking techniques.
‘Smiling Minds’ contains guided mediations for young people of all age groups from 7+. The app also gives young people the option to check in their mood each day.
‘Breathe2relax’ helps young people to relax and to take control of their breathing.
‘Head Space’ is a guided meditation app that offers short exercises for daily use.
Click here for an article on how breathing calms your brain
Click here to listen a Relax and breathe-do nothing for ten minutes
Self-harm Support
‘Calm Harm’ is designed for young people who have an understanding that they are struggling with self-harm. The app offers strategies to help them to resist the urge that compels them to harm themselves.
www.selfharm.co.uk – This website offers support for young people who are struggling with self-harm from the beginning of their journey. This website is aimed at young people aged 14-19.
General health and wellbeing
www.nspcc.org.uk – If you are worried about a child, you’re unsure, contact our helpline to speak to one of our counsellors on: 0800 800 5000 email: help@nspcc.org.uk
www.au.reachout.com/ – This website is for young people and parents. The website covers all topics that young people may struggle with during this time. A few of the topics are, sleep, healthy eating, bullying, isolation and much more.
www.youngminds.org.uk/ – This website also includes a parent helpline. It covers general mental health for young people. It has a special section covering COVID-19.
www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/ – A resource for the whole family. This website recognises that when a young person is struggling, the whole family struggle. This website has a range of tools including help and advice on topical issues as well as an ask the expert tool.
‘Mind Moose’ offers schools a way to support and monitor the mental wellbeing and emotional health of pupils. The fun, online learning helps pupils to develop their sense of self-worth, resilience and coping skills.
Watch Well Cast is a youtube channel covering all general mental health problems.
Teen Metal Health – Freely available on-line, evidence-based resources and programs designed for youth, families, educators and health care providers.
Child Line – Childline is a free and confidential service for children and young people where you can talk about anything. or call 0800 111
Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it’s like to struggle sometimes, but now there’s a safe place to listen, share and be heard.
Big White Wall – A safe community to support your mental health, 24/7
The Mix – For young people 13-25 to take on embarrassing problems, weird questions and to become the first point of contact for any young person seeking help or information wherever and whenever they need it.
Anxiety or Depression
‘SAM’ is designed to help young people to manage their anxiety. It includes 25 self-help options to help young people to manage both physical and mental symptoms of anxiety.
‘Worry Time’ is designed to help young people to manage their worry. It allows young people to take control of what they do with their negative thoughts even when they feel their thoughts are out of control. The app acts as a safe place to store their everyday emotions.
‘Mindfulness Daily’ is designed to support young people who suffer with depression and anxiety. It has a great feature that supports young people who suffer from panic attacks.
‘What’s Up?’ is an app designed to provide helpful tools for managing depression. What’s Up is a useful aid for individuals with mild-moderate depression who do not have access to traditional treatments.
This ‘Well Mind’ supports young people who suffer from depression and anxiety. It includes advice, tips and tools to boost well-being.
Online counselling provision
Samaritans – Available day and night for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen to them without judgement or pressure offering listening and support to people and communities in times of need.
Kooth – Online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people.
Domestic Abuse support – Gateshead Councils support service for domestic abuse of any kind.
Girl's Health
A guide to the relationship between your period and your mental health to help you get on top of PMS.
Bereavement
Unfortunately, some of us may face the loss of friends and loved ones. CRUSE Bereavement Care and Winston’s Wish are both bereavement charities that work in the area to support young people and their families as they prepare for, and come to terms with the loss of loved ones.
Covid-19 Support and advice
Mentally Healthy Schools -This website link is a specific toolkit to help to support your young people through this time.
TEWV NHS – This website contains help and advice to support young people through uncertain times.
My Mind – This wesite has a special feature to help young people cope with COVID-19. It includes posters, social stories and anxiety work around the topic.
Mind – Mind are a mental health charity. Find out about mental health, staying well and accessing help & support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mrs A Scott
Assistant Vice Principal
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Contact
Mrs A Gill
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Contact
Parents Information
Parent and carer support
NHS – NHS advice about corona virus
Novel coronavirus – This is a useful video link for adults and young people about COVID-19, produced by the World Health Organisation.
Mind – A resource giving help and advice around specific topics such as self-isolation.
Mind Kit – This is a website to help and support well-being during this social distancing and self-isolation period.
Anna Freud – Advice and support for managing through this pandemic.
