North Somerset has a network of school staff with a remit for mental health, which meets 3 times a year.
A Schools Mental Health newsletter is distributed 4 times a year.
For further information. Please contact shaun.cheesman@n-somerset.gov.uk
The following documents provide advice about building an ethos and environment that supports the mental health and wellbeing of the whole school community.
Guidance Documents
- A Whole School approach to mental health is described in Promoting Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Good practice guidance in teaching about mental health and wellbeing is found in Guidance: Teaching about Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
- Resources that can be used to teach about mental health and wellbeing can be found at Mental Health Resources for Teaching and Teaching Staff
- Validated tools that are available to help measure subjective mental wellbeing amongst the student population can be found in this toolkit
- Guidance to help have a conversation with parents and carers about mental health can be found here
- Bristol, South Glos and North Somerset guidance on self harm can be found here
- A booklet called Supporting Mental health and Wellbeing in schools supports all staff working in school settings to understand how best to help children and young people in their care.
Support for Children and young people in North Somerset
- A North Somerset Mental Health and Wellbeing Directory of Services for Children and Young People provides a place for children and young people, their families and professionals to get quick, easy and direct access to up-to-date mental health and wellbeing information in North Somerset, including:
- Clear, accurate information about support and services available in North Somerset
- Ideas for activities locally to help you look after your wellbeing
- Self-help tools and information including online resources
- Kooth is a free, safe, anonymous and non-stigmatised service for young people in North Somerset to receive counselling, advice and support on-line and it is available for young people aged 10- 18+. (Up to 25 with a Learning Disability or Leaving Care)
- ChatHealth enables Young people to send a message to 07312 263093 between 9.00 and 5.00 Monday to Friday so they can chat to a school nurse for confidential advice and support.
Where to find resources to support mental health and wellbeing in schools
- Information, advice and resources for schools about mental health can be found at Mentally Healthy Schools
Support for parents
- HappyMaps pools some of the best mental health resources for parents, carers, and young people, all in one place.
Mental health support for school staff
- Education Support cover both individual needs, including a free confidential 24 hour helpline, as well as whole school and setting approaches to staff mental health. They also offer some bespoke support that schools can pay for.
