Mental Health and Wellbeing
Learning about Mental Health and Wellbeing
We are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. Emotional wellbeing is a clear indicator of academic achievement, success and satisfaction in later life. Evidence shows that mental health and wellbeing programmes in schools, can lead to significant improvements in children’s mental health, and social and emotional skills. Wellbeing provision in schools can also lead to reductions in classroom misbehaviour and bullying. We understand that everyone experiences different life challenges; these can make us feel vulnerable at times. Everyone needs emotional support at times. We take the view that everyone has a role to play when it comes to positive mental health.
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At our school we:
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Year 4 Box Breathing- Box breathing is a deep breathing technique that can help you slow down your breathing. It works by distracting your mind as you count to four, calming your nervous system, and decreasing stress in your body.
View the video that the children have made to demonstrate this technique (or Click here to download the box breathing video)
Coping Skills – Throughout the year, children learn a range of strategies to deal with difficult times. In this video, the children explained how they coped with this difficult year.
Action for Happiness – Children have been learning 10 keys to happier living.
Fun activities you can do at home to support wellbeing.
What makes me happy?
The children thought about what friendship means and what makes them feel happy. Please see the video below.
Useful links
CAMHS resources
A really helpful website which includes, downloadable self-help activities, information guides, videos and more
https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/
Supporting your child during the coronavirus outbreak
Government guidance on supporting children and young people's mental health during the coronavirus
Many ways to share a hug' - Social Story
https://www.childhood.org.au/app/uploads/2020/04/hug_HR.pdf
Ten tips for talking to your child
How to tell children and young people that someone is seriously ill
https://www.winstonswish.org/telling-children-young-people-serious-illness/
A lovely, printable 14 day mindfulness activity challenge
https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-home-challenge.pdf
A coronavirus story
https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-story-for-children-1.pdf
Dr Chris and Dr Xand are here to tell you why the coronavirus might not be as scary as it sounds.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51342366
Action for Happiness - Coping Calendar
https://www.actionforhappiness.org/calendars
100 positive things every kid needs to hear'
https://raising-independent-kids.com/100-positive-things-every-kid-needs-hear/
Apps for Wellbeing and Mental Health
A list of apps complied by Dorset Young Minds
https://dorsetmindyourhead.co.uk/resources/apps-for-wellbeing-and-mental-health/
Stop, Breathe and Think App
Check in with how you are feeling and try short activities tuned to your emotions
Smiling Mind App
https://www.smilingmind.com.au/
A great app with age specific mindfulness resources, including a new resource, 'Thrive Inside'.
Thrive Inside is a special program to help you stay psychologically healthy while you are spending extended periods of time at home.
Cosmic Kids Yoga and Mindfulness App
This app often has a two-week trial available
Helpful Articles
The discomfort you are feeling is grief
https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief
Calming Activities, Mindfulness, Breathing, Yoga Videos and More...
Childline Calm-Zone
https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone
An activity for grounding and calming