Mental Health & Well-Being

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders - Mrs Howlett and Miss Davies

At St Michael’s Primary School and Nursery we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils, families and staff. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play.

At our school we:

help children to understand their emotions and feelings better
help children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries
help children socially to form and maintain relationships
promote self esteem and ensure children know that they count
encourage children to be confident and their best, unique self
help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks

If you feel your child needs extra well-being or mental health support, or would like advice please contact Mrs Howlett either through Class Dojo, email j.howlett@stmichaelsprimary.co.uk or ring the school directly on 01206 546412, alternatively you can contact our Family Support Officer, Vicki Davies at v.davies@stmichaelsprimary.co.uk.

There are times when we all feel the strain. As parents and carers, there are ways we can support children and young people to give them the best chance to stay mentally healthy. Please watch the video below that explains how we all have mental health.

https://youtu.be/DxIDKZHW3-E

'Top tips to support young people and children'

Click on the link below.

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/childrens-mental-health/

Click on the link below to see the services available to support children in Essex, some services accept parent and self referrals whilst others require the school to make them.

https://www.essex.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024-08/Directory%20of%20services%20-%20children%20and%20families%20hub%20-%2002.08.24.pdf

Mental Health Support for families

Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children's and Adolescent's Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS)

Who are we?

The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children's and Adolescent's Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS) provides advice and support to children, young people and families who are in need of support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.

The service covers Southend, Essex and Thurrock and is open to young people between the ages of 0-18, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs.

Any child or young person experiencing mental health difficulties as well as any parent, guardian or professional can access the service for help and guidance.

There are lots of ways to access the service.

A child or young person can contact us directly
Any parent/guardian or professional such as a teacher, school nurse or GP can contact us on the behalf of the young person

Below is the link for more information on the support available to families from SET CAMHS.

https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/set-camhs

You can also contact SET CAMHS on their new number 0800 953 0222

You can find practical tips to support children's wellbeing and behaviour

https://parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk/

Family Innovation Fund-Xtra

https://www.livewellcampaign.co.uk/new-family-innovation-fund-xtra-gives-essex-families-a-little-extra-help/

The services are aimed at helping young people and families who are not already receiving specialist or statutory support. They can be accessed directly by families, through referral from a professional such as a teacher, via the Essex Welfare Service, the Getting Help in Essex Directory, or by calling one of the organisations themselves.

ECC is working with the voluntary sector and community partners who will deliver the services locally so that families receive help when and where they need it most.

To receive support via the Family Innovation Fund-Xtra service, young people and their families can contact one of the organisations listed below, depending on their needs.

http://www.wildernessfoundation.org.uk/ – offers counselling and therapeutic support, and may bring nature, art and other creative tools into sessions. Appointments are available 9am-5pm Monday – Friday. Evenings and weekends by appointment. Contact 0300 1233073 or info@wildernessfoundation.org.uk
http://www.renew-us.org/ – an experienced and accredited counselling service for all ages. Appointments are available Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm and Monday-Thursday 5pm-8pm. Saturdays by appointment. Contact 01245 359353 or hilary@renew-us.org
https://relatelnee.org.uk/ – offer accredited mediation and counselling. Appointments are available 9am-9pm Monday- Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays. Contact 01245 676930 or 01708 441722 or enquiries@relatelnee.org.uk
http://www.ymcaessex.org.uk/ – can help families identify beneficial strategies and solutions for their needs in individual, group or family sessions. Appointments are available Monday – Friday and Saturdays by agreement. Contact 01245 355677 or daniels@ymcachelmsford.org.uk
http://www.evolve-intervention.com/ – provide early intervention for children and young people through mentoring, coaching, group work and tuition. Appointments are available Monday -Friday 9am to 6pm, with some availability between 6pm- 8pm and on Saturdays 10am to 4pm. Contact us on 01245 526069 or info@evolve-intervention.com