A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.
Wellbeing Overview
Pupil mental health has a high profile at STARS due to the nature of the health conditions of our pupils. We work closely with CAMHS and tier 4 to ensure our provision supports and compliments the work by the health professionals.
Pupils learn how the importance of health and wellbeing. They understand the necessity to maintain a balanced diet and make positive life choices. STARS currently holds the London Mayor’s Healthy Schools Award – Bronze and silver and we are applying for Gold. The Silver and Gold awards are focussed around mental health and wellbeing and the importance of physical activity in promoting well-being.
STARS supports pupils wellbeing through:
- High profile on participation in weekly PE.
- Supervised sports and other activities at lunchtime.
- Timetabled opportunities for mindfulness.
- Teaching pupils strategies to manage when anxiety is high, eg: Zones of regulation.
- Individual support through interventions such as ELSA and Draw and talk.
- STARS employs a well being practitioner who offers bespoke programmes.
- Partnership work with medical professionals.
- A mental health training programme for staff.
STARS is taking part in a new project to improve mental health for children and young people who attend schools in the local authority. The project is aimed at preventing children and young people's referral to CAMHS so although this project isn't directly aimed at pupils who attend STARS it is imporatnt that we are part of the project to support work going on in our referring schools. This project is linked to a national initiative following the Government’s Green Paper on children and young people’s mental health. South West London will receive £1.85m and will be part of the first wave of these new services. As a result of our collaboration with the project and the professionals involved we aim to develop the support we are able to offer.
Emotional wellbeing: COVID-19 resource hub
We know that the past year has been difficult for our children and young people, but we also recognise that it has been challenging for adults too. If you are feeling overwhelmed or are struggling to cope, please know that there are services and useful resources available. The South-West London resource hub has been created so that you can access free services to support your own emotional wellbeing during this difficult time. The website includes information for the following boroughs: Merton, Sutton, Richmond, Kingston, Wandsworth and Croydon. Each borough contains information on how to access mental health and wellbeing support for adults, young people and children. We know that many people have experienced losses during this time and information about bereavement support is also included.
The link to the resource hub is: https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/your-health/mental-health/covid19-resource-hub/
Please do look at the resource hub link for further information if you feel you are struggling with your own mental health at present, these are really challenging times but the support is there for everyone to access.
Concerned about yourself or a loved one? Use the links below to find support groups and expert advice.
Organisations & Helplines should you need extra support
Alcohol Concern 0800 917 8282
Childline (24 hours) 0800 11 11
Children and Cancer (Cancer BCUP) 0808 800 1234
Child Bereavement Charity) 01494 568 900
Crime Victims – Victim Support 0845 30 30 900
Crimestoppers- Crime Prevention 0800 555 111
Cruse Bereavement Care 0844 477 9400
Domestic Violence – Women’s Aid Helpline 0808 2000 247
Drinkline 0800 917 8282
Drugs – National Drugs Helpline Talk to Frank 080 77 66 00 Text 82111
Eating Disorder Association (BEAT) 08456 341 414
Family- Gingerbread (support and advice for lone parents) 0800 018 5026
GamCare – National Association for Gambling Care 0845 6000 133
Homelessness- Shelter (24 hours) 0808 800 4444
Kidscape- Keeping Safe, Bullying and how to cope) 0207 730 3300
National Missing People Helpline) 0500 700 700
Neighbourhood Watch) 0116 271 0052
NSPCC- Child Protection Helpline (24 hours) 0808 800 5000
Samaritans (24 hours) 08457 90 90 90
Smoking Quitline 0800 00 22 00
Smokefree (NHS support to stop smoking) 0800 022 4 332
Shelterline 0808 800 4444
Young Minds 0808 802 5544