At St James Academy we want to ensure that we are creating healthy environment for staff, pupils and families where positive mental health is everyone’s business and every individual and contribution is valued.

 We know that life challenges may make us vulnerable at times and that anyone may need additional support at some stage. On these pages, you will find useful links to services and resources that will help manage and improve your Mental Health and Wellbeing. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our Mental Health Lead is Mrs S Lines (Staff)

Our Mental Health First Aider is Miss K Gallagher (children)

What is Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing?

Mental health is a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, reach their full potential, and contribute to their communities. 

Mental wellbeing refers to feeling good and functioning well in daily life. Both concepts are more than the mere absence of illness; they are positive states that exist on a spectrum and are influenced by physical, mental, social, and environmental factors. 

Sometimes we experience good periods of mental health where we generally feel happy and can cope with every day stressors. Sometimes we may need some additional support. 1 in 4 people experience a mental health issue of some kind each year in England (Mind Charity).

Managing Wellbeing

Having good mental health and wellbeing does not mean you will feel happy and content all of the time. Everyone has ups and downs. Having strategies to help you cope, unwind and manage the stresses of life really help. Managing your wellbeing can be tricky at first. The trick is to try out what works for you and take things gradually. It is important that we recognise ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’. Looking after our own wellbeing as parents, carers, family or staff is essential for looking after the wellbeing of our children.

You can manage your wellbeing by making time for:

• Being creative and learning new things

• Spending time outside or with nature

• Connecting with others

• Looking after physical health and keeping active

• Trying to get enough sleep.

For more tips and ideas on managing your own wellbeing, including free mindfulness apps, please see these links below:

Wellbeing ideas: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/wellbeing/wellbeing/

How food can lift your mood: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/food-and-mood/about-food-and-mood/

Tips on managing loneliness: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/about-loneliness/

Tips on managing stress: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/stress/#SR3RrXXadJ0Ja9Sa.99

Rainbows trust guide to supporting parents with an illness: https://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/parentsmatter?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIydGhp_mf7QIVFJzVCh2WLwmzEAAYAyAAEgIQR_D_BwE

Yoga for stress and anxiety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTANio_2E0Q

Free mindfulness apps: https://www.puregym.com/blog/top-free-mindfulness-apps/

Managing the Mental Health and Wellbeing of your child

Wellbeing can be a tricky area to navigate with our children and will look different for each child.

As a school, the health and wellbeing of our children is a priority. We do a number of things to support them, and wellbeing support is woven through every aspect of our curriculum. Here are some general tips and resources for promoting wellbeing at home. If you have any concerns about your child please contact us.

• Spend quality time together: Engage in activities your child enjoys, like playing games or pursuing their interests, to foster a connection. 
• Encourage healthy habits: Promote regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep, as these are foundational to good mental health. 
• Create routines: Sticking to a daily routine provides a sense of security and can help reduce anxiety. 
• Model positive behaviour: Show your child how you cope with your own difficult feelings and take care of your own mental health. 
• Communicate Effectively
• Listen actively: Give your child your full attention when they speak, making them feel heard and understood without judgment. 
• Validate their feelings: Let them know that it's normal to experience pain, fear, anger, and anxiety. 
• Talk openly: Create an environment where children feel safe discussing their feelings, whether it's a small challenge or a bigger concern. 
• Check in regularly: Even if they don't want to talk immediately, regular check-ins show them you're there for them. 

For more tips and ideas on supporting your child’s wellbeing please see these links below:

Young Minds.org

Kidscape.org - Help with bullying

NHS Mental HealthPlace2be

In school, we support Mental Health and Wellbeing in the following ways

We support children to:

• Identify and communicate their emotions.
• Build social connections and friendships.
• Develop strategies to manage and express emotions in a safe and healthy way.
• Develop emotional resilience.

 

We support staff to:

• Manage workload by planning deadlines around key pressure points in the school calendar.
• Access support through a staff helpline
• Talk to one of the schools Mental Health Ambassadors
• Access CPD to further their development and career.
• Address concerns or challenges openly with senior leadership team

 

We support our families by:

• Offering support sessions, coffee mornings, and external training opportunities.
• Sign posting, and supporting to access, a range of services in the community.