Mental & Emotional Health at WGS

We take Mental and Emotional Health very seriously here at Walderslade Girls’ School.  We consider it part of our ‘hidden curriculum’ to make every student feel listened to and valued and to promote positive emotional health and wellbeing.  We are constantly reviewing and prioritising our approach to Mental Health, and it is now a regular part of our Professional Development (staff training).  We have a newly appointed Mental Health Lead (Ms Neave) who is working on a Strategic Plan to improve our approach to Mental Health, with the help of the National College of Education and overseen by our Trust Vulnerability Lead.

The Mental Health Lead, Ms Neave, works alongside the pastoral, SEN and safeguarding team to ensure our most vulnerable students are well looked after.  Mental Health is also represented in our Senior Leadership Team and features heavily on our School Improvement Plan.

We are very lucky to be working alongside the Medway Emotional Support Team, from the NHS, who are with us (in school) every Tuesday.  This team of Educational Mental Health Practitioners work one-to-one with students in need of Emotional Support but also keep us informed on best ways to look after the Mental Health of all of our students. 

Some other Mental Health initiatives in place:

• A relevant and regularly reviewed approach to Form Times, PSHE and MSC activities.
• A staff wellbeing focus.
• An open door policy for staff and students.
• Wellbeing assemblies.
• Regular Mental Health workshops (working on anxiety, low mood and exam stress etc).
• Parental Workshops (see links on this section of the website).
• One-to-one with the Educational Mental Health practitioners.
• One-to-one sessions with our school counsellor.
• Workshops with our Family Liaison Officer.

Mental Health continues to grow at Walderslade Girls’ School – we have lots of things in the pipeline.  So watch this space.

And, please remember, if your child/young person is struggling with low mood or emotional health – you can always reach out to their form tutor for help or contact Ms Neave on lneave@sflt.org.uk

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Emotional Support Team Information & Materials

Please see attached posters and calendar for the upcoming online parent workshops that will be facilitated by the Emotional Wellbeing/Support Teams. There are Microsoft Teams links are on each poster and the calendar for parents to access the workshop.  These are aimed mostly at Year 7 parents and carers.

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Additional Support – Website & Mobile Phone Apps:

Young Minds: – Information and advice for young people on mental health.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
 Call to parents helpline: 08088025544 (Monday – Friday 09.30am – 4pm free for mobiles and landlines).

Togetherall: – is for young people aged 16+, online support programmes and support network.
https://togetherall.com/en-gb/com

MiLife: – website by young people to explore mental health.
https://www.milife.org.uk/

Childline: – a confidential telephone support service for children and young people.
Free to phone on: 0800 1111

WYSA App: – WYAS is a life coach that helps you to move forwards and to build emotional resilience.
https://www.wysa.io

Kooth: – online counselling for children and young people.
http://www.kooth.com

Mind Fresh: – Gives local support services in your area.
http://mindfresh.nelft.nhs.uk

Mood Tools: – app that helps combat depression with 6 evidence-based tools.
https://www.moodtools.org/

The Mix – Mental health advice and support for anyone under 25.
https://www.themix.org.uk/ 
Freephone 08088084994.