Mental Health, Wellbeing

For information on the PSHE and RSE curriculum, please follow the PSHE tab in the curriculum drop-down menu.

Mental health, wellbeing and PSHE is a significant priority for us at NFJI, and as such, we have a fully committed team who work collaboratively: 

The Mental Health and Personal Development Team

Mrs C Chojnowski - Class teacher

Mrs J Kirk - HLTA

Miss J Metcalfe - Inclusion Leader

Mrs J Robson - Learning Mentor

Mrs K Roter - Deputy Headteacher

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Files
Mental_Health_Intent_Statement_NFJI_2023.pdf .pdf

Childen's Mental Health Week 2024- My Voice Matters

 

Children's Mental Health Week is taking place from 5 to 11 February 2024, with the theme of My Voice Matters. It was set up by children's mental health charity Place2Be and shines a spotlight on the importance of children and young people's mental health.

 

To celebrate Children's Mental Health Week in school, we have invited Becca Firth into school on Monday and Friday to start and en our week with some fabulous workshops aimed at supporting children to think about how they can have a positive impact on their own Mental Health (photos and work will be uploaded following the week). We have also celebrated as a whole school during our assembly launching our Mental Health awareness week. 

 

Below are some opportunities offered by Compass Wakefield, a Mental Health Support service, which provides emotional health and wellbeing services for children and young people in their communities in Wakefield district. These will be lovely ways to support your child at home and to gain some fabulous tips.

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Files
Creative Workshop - Age 8-11.pdf .pdf
Creative Workshops Age 5 -7.pdf .pdf
Parent Drop In - 15.02.2024.pdf .pdf
childrens mental health awareness week newsletter.pdf 5.pdf .pdf
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Mental Health and Wellbeing

At NFJI, we work closely with NHS Mental Health Support Teams (MHST), Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHP), and the Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to support our pupils and parents. We have three trained Mental Health First Aiders in school; Mrs Kirk, Miss Chojnowski and Mrs Roter, and Mrs Norris, Inclusion Leader, is the Designated Mental Health Leader, who co-ordinates the mental health provision in school. We are fortunate to have two Learning Mentors in School; Mrs Robson and Mrs Morgan, who work with children in school and provide a range of pastoral support, including Drawing and Talking Therapy. Mrs Norris work closely with the Team Around the School and Future In Mind to support pupils and families. If you feel that you would like some additional support, please feel free to contact Mrs Norris on 01977 799888. 

Since September, our link EMHP has delivered a parental workshop on anxiety and has worked in every class throughout school (Y1-Y6) to deliver age-appropriate information around anxiety and how to deal with worries. These sessions were very well received, here is some of the feedback from the parental anxiety workshop:

"I am so grateful for the ideas Becca (EMHP) gave us today. I will try these with my child!" Anonymous parent.

 

"My child struggles with anxiety and I thought he was the only one. I now know that other children worry too. I can support him better after today. Thank you." Anonymous parent.

 

"Really great ideas. I will try them with my child. Thank you!" Anonymous parent.

 

"I would love more session like these. Today was so useful." Anonymous parent.

 

The feedback from the children was just as positive:

 

"I enjoyed the workshop because it taught me that it is ok to worry about some things. I know that other people worry too." Y6 pupil - Oak Class

 

"I learned how to calm myself down if I feel anxious. I liked the breathing techniques." Y6 child - Oak Class

 

" I thought that the workshop was a nice way to express your feelings. Becca gave us some really good advice." Y5 child - Beech Class

 

"I enjoyed the mental health workshop. It helped with my breathing and also taught me about adults I can trust." Y6 Oak Class

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In Spring Term, our EMHP will deliver training on sleep hygiene. The first session will be a parent workshop, and then every class in school (Y1-Y6) will also take part in a workshop. Dates and times will be sent out on Parent Hub.  

 

At NFJI we work closely with the MHST to produce a 'Mental Health Self-Evaluation Form (SEF). Mrs Norris works closely with the MHST to evaluate our provision and works closely with CAMHS to identify training need for staff and support required for children. This is an ongoing process and highlights out commitment to Mental health and Wellbeing in our school. CAMHS have delivered training in our school this year, to all members of staff including teachers, support staff, Learning Mentors, and lunchtime supervisors.

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Files
pshe-progression-map-2023-2024.pdf .pdf

What's on at Oakhill?

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Future in Mind (FIM) and Team Around the School (TAS)

Mrs Norris meets with CAMHS and The Early Help Hub, based at The Oakhill Centre, to provide support to families in our school. If you feel that your child needs additional support with their mental health and wellbeing, or if you require additional help and support at home, we may be able to offer help and support. Please speak to you child's teacher in the first instance or contact Mrs Norris.

The Oakhill Centre have lots of support available, including:

 

  • Baby Group
  • Baby Massage
  • Nurture Groups
  • Boxing Exercise and Anger Management (BEAM)
  • Parenting Programme
  • Freedom Programme (domestic violence support)
  • Wellbeing Group
  • and lots more...

 

If you are interested in any of these groups, please contact Oakhill on 01924 723942 

 

What is Mental Health?

 

Mental health and wellbeing is how we feel and think. It is important to remember that we all have mental health, sometimes we have good mental health and other times, we may have poor mental health. In order to maintain positive mental health, it is vital that we know how to express how we feel and understand that feelings can come and go. It is also important that we think of our mental health in the same was as our physical health, and that we teach pupils how to maintain positive mental health. On this page you will find information aimed not only at young people, but also links to support aimed at adults. 

Please watch the video below, it explains what mental health is in child friendly terms, and how we can open up discussions about our mental health. The video is made by children, for children.

How can I help myself to feel calm?

There are lots of ways to feel calmer, it's all about what works for you! Maybe try some breathing exercises or activities and games to make you feel more relaxed. Try the 'calm zone' by clicking on the link below. They have lots of information about expressing yourself and advice about ways to cope in tricky times.

Calm zone | Childline

 

Mindful meditation work for some people. Here is one that you could try:

Some people find breathing exercises work for them, you could try one of these below:

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Files
Breathing_exercises.pdf .pdf

You may find yoga relaxing. These clips will guide you through a yoga session alongside a story. Try Spot the Spider and see what you think...

Parent Information

Having a conversation with your child about mental health does not have to be a daunting prospect. The guides below may help you find a way of opening up a discussion about mental health and wellbeing.

Be A Champion - group for children and young people
Shared on behalf of Wakefield Trinity Charitable Foundation (WTCF)
WTCF are running a group called Be A Champion. It is for primary and secondary aged children with a physical or learning disability. The group offers life skills, healthy lifestyles and friendships.
The group runs every Monday 4pm - 6pm during term time.
It takes places at the Be Well Support Stadium, Doncaster Road, Wakefield, WF1 5EY.
To sign up, scan the QR code on the poster, or email charlie.doherty@wakefieldtrinity.com
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Files
Talking_To_My_Child.pdf .pdf
Parent_Leaflet.pdf .pdf
Family Action - Family Line
Shared on behalf of Family Action
Family Line supports adult family members via telephone, text, email and web chat.
We’re here to provide a listening ear, answer particular parenting questions or help with guidance around more complex issues.
All support is free.
0808 802 6666
Text: 07537 404 282
familyline@family-action.org.uk
Mon-Fri, 9am to 9pm
To find out more visit https://www.family-action.org.uk/
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Where can I find help?

 

Please remember that one in four adults struggle with low mood, depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. If you are struggling with your own mental health and wellbeing, you could access one of the support networks below:

 
Shout
Shout is the UKs first 24/7 text service. It is free on all major networks and is there for anyone needing help and support. Text 85258. 
 
Wakefield Mental Health Services 
 

Samaritans

Phone: 116 123 (freephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Website: www.samaritans.org

Provide emotional support for people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They allow people to talk about their feeling of distress and despair and are confidential and offer non-judgemental support.

 

Counselling Directory

Phone: 0844 8030 240

Website: www.counselling-directory.org.uk

Provides a free, confidential directory of trained professional counsellors and therapists in the UK.

 

NSPCC

Phone: 0808 800 5000

(Freephone, 24 hours a day, 7days a week – for adults concerned about a child)

Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

 

Survivors UK

Phone: 0203 598 3898

Email: info@survivorsuk.org

Website: www.survivorsuk.org

Survivors UK provides help and support for men who have experienced sexual violence or abuse. This includes counselling and online and SMS chat support services run by professionals who specialise in the field of male sexual abuse.

 

Women’s Aid

Phone: 0808 2000 247

(Freephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk

Website: www.womensaid.org.uk

Women’s Aid are a grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated.

 

Addaction

Phone: 020 7251 5860

Email: info@addaction.org.uk

Website: www.addaction.org.uk

Addaction supports adults, children, young adults and older people to make positive behavioural changes around alcohol, drugs, mental heath and wellbeing.

 

Alcoholics Anonymous

Phone: 0800 9177 650 (freephone, national helpline)

Email: help@alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous runs self-help groups across Great Britain for anyone affected by alcohol use issues who wants to change their drinking behaviours, based on 12 step model of recovery.

 

Drinkline

Phone: 0300 123 1110 (freephone, 9am-8pm Mon-Fri; 11am-4pm Sat-Sun)

Drinkline is a free, confidential national helpline for people who are concerned about their own or somebody else’s drinking.

 

Gamblers Anonymous UK

Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Gamblers Anonymous runs self-help groups across the UK for anyone affected by addictive gambling behaviours who wants to change, based on 12 step model of recovery.

 

Talk to Frank

Phone: 0300 123 6600 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Text: 82111

Email: frank@talktofrank.com

Website: www.talktofrank.com

Talk to Frank is the national drug education service established in 2003. It provides information on legal and illegal drugs for teenagers and adolescents, including a confidential information line and live chat services on its website.

 

Anxiety UK

Phone: 08444 775 774

(Infoline, 9.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri)

Text: 07537 416 905

Email: support@anxietyuk.org.uk

Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Anxiety UK is a national charity run by people with lived experience of anxiety, aiming to support everyone affected by anxiety through information and support. This includes talking therapies and self-help groups.

 

OCD-UK

Phone: 0845 390 6263

Email: support@ocdaction.org.uk

Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk

OCD Action is the national charity focusing on obsessive compulsive disorder. It provides support and information to those affected by OCD, and works to increase awareness of it. Runs a variety of self-help groups across the country as well as online support groups and advocacy services.

 

Triumph over Phobia

Phone: 01225 571 740

Email: info@topuk.org

Website: www.topuk.org

Triumph over phobia is a UK charity which aims to help sufferers of phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder and other related anxiety to overcome their fears.

 

Bereavement Advice Centre

Phone: 0800 634 9494

(Freephone helpline, 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri)

Website: www.bereavementadvice.org

The bereavement advice centre supports and advises people after death in England and Wales. Their website and helpline provides help with the wide range of practical issues that need to be managed after a bereavement as well as signposting to other support.

 

Carers Trust

Phone: 0844 800 4361

Email: support@carers.org

Website: www.carers.org

The Carers Trust is a major new charity for, with and about carers. They work to support carers through a wide range of information, providing respite care services and online peer support, including dedicated community for young carers under 18.

 

Carers UK

Phone: 08008 808 7777

(Freephone Adviceline, 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri)

Website: www.careruk.org

Carers UK aims to make life better for carers, by providing advice on a range of issues. Including financial and practical matters relating to caring, and running an online peer support community of carers across the UK.

 

Victim Support

Phone: 0808 1689 111 (Freephone, 8am-8pm, Mon-Fri, Weekends 24 hours)

Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk

Victim support is an independent charity working towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve. They run a confidential free helpline for anyone effected be crime as well as emotional and practical support, including advice on reporting a crime and prosses involved in going to court and what happens during a trail.

 

Depression UK

Email: info@depressionuk.org

Website: www.depressionuk.org

Depression UK is a national self-help organisation the offers support to everyone affected by depression.

 

ABC (Anorexia & Bulimia Care)

Phone: 0300 011 1213 (helpline)

Email: support@anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk

Website: www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk

Anorexia & Bulimia Care is a national UK eating disorder organisation providing ongoing care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders. Includes nutritional guidance/support and befriending services.

 

Education Support Partnership

Phone: 0800 0562 561

(Freephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Text: 07909 341 229

Email: support@edsupport.org.uk

Website: www.educationsupport.org.uk

Provides free confidential counselling for teachers, including online chat services.

 

Minds guide to workplace mental health

Website: www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work

Mental health charity Mind’s dedicated website section on workplace mental health provides guidance to help employers take care of themselves and their staff.

 

Family Action

Phone: 020 7254 6251

Email: info@familt-action.org.uk

Website: www.family-action.org.uk

Family Action transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation across England. They aim to strengthen families and communities by building skills and resilience. Their support services include a focus on a parental mental health issues, including issues such as perinatal depression.

 

Citizen’s Advice

Phone: 03444 111 444

Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Citizen’s advice provides free, independent information and advice for people on money, legal, consumer, housing and other problems. Its website is searchable for local citizen’s advice bureaus and also has a dedicated web chat service.

 

Grassroots

Email: office@prevent-suicide.org.uk

Website: www.prevent-suicide.org.ok

Grassroots is a small charity focused on suicide prevention through training, consultancy and project work, including the #StayAlive app fort hose at risk of suicide or worried about someone else.

 

Kooth

Website: www.kooth.com

Provides free online support for young people delivered by qualified counsellors via chat-based services.

 

Childline

Phone: 0800 1111

(Freephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Website: http://www.childline.org.uk/

Provides free confidential counselling and emotional support for children and young people. Online chat services with a counsellor are also available on the website.