Did you know there is an interactive map of Children & Young People’s Mental Health Support?  It shows the local support available with regards to children and young people’s emotional and mental health.

Follow the link to access the Children's mental health support pathway and the South Staffordshire Interactive Pdf

https://www.staffordshireconnects.info/kb5/staffordshire/directory/advice.page?id=0rWBovMeR5E

Britain Get Talking is a campaign supported by Mind and YoungMinds, and by SAMH in Scotland, to encourage people to look after their mental health by connecting with others.

Almost half of young people struggle with anxiety and recently more than 400,000 children and young people a month are being treated for mental health problems – the highest number on record.

Connecting with each other through conversations can ease stress and reduce anxiety. Although it can feel difficult and awkward to open up and discuss some of these issues, it’s important to keep trying - because it can take time to break through.

There are three simple tips from experts to help you to connect with the young person in your life: 

1. Share an activity

   Young people are more likely to open up if your conversation isn't the main focus. Shared activities like going for a walk or cooking together at home, create a more relaxed environment. Putting them at ease means you'll feel more comfortable talking. 

2. Show your support

   Reassure them that you're there for them and they can talk to you whenever they need to. Be ready to listen to what they say and try not to assume that you already know what's wrong or what will help.

3. Don’t force it if they don't want to talk right now. Wait until they’re ready and suggest a way for them to let you know, like leaving a note.  

 

We are a myHappymind school!

MyHappymind is a mental health and wellbeing programme for schools that is commissioned by the NHS and grounded in the latest science and research about what it takes to create positive wellbeing. It is taught to every single child and there’s a curriculum for every year group from Early Years to Year 6. There is a Parent App too so parents can continue the learning at home!

It is taught across five modules and each introduces a new set of content and habits to help children to build resilience, self-esteem and confidence.

1. Meet your brain – This supports the children to understand how their brain works and how to ensure we look after it so that we can manage our emotions and be at our best. Growth mindset is a key part of this too.

2. Celebrate -  This supports children to understand their unique character strengths and learning to celebrate them, building their self-esteem.

3. Appreciate – This supports children to understand why gratitude matters and how you can develop gratitude as a habit, as this is key to wellbeing and building resilience.

4. Relate – This supports children to understand why positive relationships matter and how to build them.

5. Engage – This supports children to understand how to set meaningful goals that matter and how to keep resilient in times of challenge.

Please see below for more details on our myHappymind programme in school.