Mental Health and Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is about our thoughts, feelings, emotions and ability to react to life. A good sense of wellbeing is feeling ok and able to cope, even when life or situations are challenging.

Sometimes our wellbeing is affected by things out of our control: illness, a stressful family situation or crisis.

When our wellbeing is affected and we don’t feel able to cope, this can lead to mental health concerns: sadness, depression and unhelpful thoughts that can stop us from enjoying and coping with daily life.

Mental health Illness

Sometimes, people are born with a mental health illness which affects them throughout their lives. They might have different ways of being supported and coping with their mental health illness; they might take a medicine or they might have a doctor or counsellor that they talk to, to help them cope and regain a sense of wellbeing.

Mental illness is often invisible, but that doesn’t mean it should be hidden. Statistics tell us that most people suffer from a mental health concern at some point in their lives and that one in ten young people struggle with their mental health. People with any illnesses, whether they affect our mental or physical health, deserve support, help and understanding.

Breaking the stigma

Understanding and responding to our mental health and wellbeing needs is something we believe in at Richmond Hill Primary Academy. We aim to take away the stigma and negativity and help our pupils and families to talk openly. We are delighted to share with you that Richmond Hill Primary Academy has recently completed work towards gaining the Bronze Standard accredition with Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools Award.

Carnegie School of Education based at Leeds Beckett University and Minds Ahead CIC have developed the School Mental Health Award to give schools and academies a framework for whole school mental health development. By embracing the ideals of the award, we are demonstrating a deep commitment to working towards excellent practice as we place the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff at the core of our academy alongside our commitment to having a rich whole school culture where all members of our academy community can thrive.

We look forward to sharing how we, as a community, are further developing our practices in relation to mental health and wellbeing over the coming months. Further information about the award can be found on the Leeds Beckett University website; https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/schoolmh/

In this section of our website, we hope to share our activities and learning in school, as well as helpful advice, websites and contacts.

Here are some websites designed specifically for children and young adults.

Young Minds    https://youngminds.org.uk/    

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-helpline/

A website for children and young people. There are different sections offering information and advice on signs and symptoms, seeking help and looking after yourself; some handy advice for parents too.

Childline   https://www.childline.org.uk/

Childline are here for you, whatever's on your mind. They'll support you. Guide you. Help you make decisions that are right for you. Their tips and techniques, ideas and inspiration, can help you feel more in control. And you can access them in your own time, at your own pace!

Rainbows Bereavement Support Great Britain    https://rainbowsgb.org/

This is a well-respected national charity having a proven, positive impact on the lives of children, young people and adults grieving a significant and often devastating loss in their lives. Their vision is quite simply for every child and young person in every school in Great Britain, grieving a significant and often devastating loss in their lives, to be understood and supported appropriately.

Drug or alcohol addiction   Rehab 4 Addiction

For more help for loved one experiencing drug and alcohol addiction, contact the team on the above link.

Doncaster Council     https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/health-wellbeing/ideas-to-stay-well-5-ways-to-wellbeing

Follow our 5 ways to Wellbeing for ideas on how to stay well during these difficult times.

CAMHS - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services    https://camhs.rdash.nhs.uk/

Doncaster Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) provides mental health assessments, therapy and interventions for children, young people up to the age of 18 years and their families or identified carers when the child and young person is experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties.

The Doncaster camhs facebook page is - https://www.facebook.com/doncastercamhsnhs/

The 'With me in Mind' website is- http://www.withmeinmind.co.uk/

The 'With me in Mind' (Doncaster) Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/withmeinmind_doncaster/

The 'With me in Mind' (Rotherham) Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/Withmeinmindrotherham/​

The following websites have been vetted and approved by the NHS.  We recommend that parents always look at and test out apps and games for themselves before introducing their children to them:

Positive Penguins     https://positivepenguins.com/

Aimed at 8 - 12 year olds. This app helps children to understand their feelings and challenge negative thinking. Four positive penguins take children on a journey to help them better understand the relationship between what they think and what they feel.

Dragon app  http://myhealthapps.net/app/details/501/dragon-in-the-attic

This app was developed by GPs and Year 6 children in the Wakefield NHS Trust. It aims to teach 8 - 12 year olds how to make healthy choices for their mind and body. It uses a game where children are given a pet dragon to look after to build confidence and educate children about issues such as mental health and bullying.

Here are some websites aimed at adults, dedicated to supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing.  They contain lots of good advice and a series of free, downloadable books on a range of topics including anxiety, stress, the workplace, self-harm, mindfulness and exercise.

Mental Health Foundation    https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Mind - for better mental health   https://www.mind.org.uk/

https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/teaching-resources/kindness-resource-list 

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