Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Horbury Primary Academy, we are committed to supporting the positive mental health and wellbeing of our whole school community (children, staff, governors, parents and carers). We recognise how important mental health and emotional wellbeing is to our lives in just the same way as our physical health. We recognise that good mental health is a crucial factor in the overall wellbeing of our children and it can affect their learning and achievement.
It is the primary aim of our school that every member of the school community feels valued and respected, and that each person is treated fairly and well. We are a caring community, whose values are built upon mutual trust and respect for all.
Children experience ups and downs in their lives which can make them vulnerable and at times, 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 Horbury Primary, we have a Mental Health and Wellbeing team who are the main points of contact for any children or adults who are experiencing mental health issues or need someone to talk to. Our team are all trained to help and support people’s wellbeing along with spotting any signs of mental health issues. Members of our team will be able to guide our children and adults towards the support they need and help to stop a mental health issue from getting worse. Our team members will be able to listen, reassure and respond to individual’s needs. As a team, we aim to help everyone to look after their own mental health.
We want to create a future where mental health is treated as a normal part of life, just in the same way as physical health.
Our Year 5 Mental Health and Wellbeing Champions
10 children from Year 5 have been selected to be trained as Mental Health and Wellbeing Champions. They understand the importance of their role in school and offer support and reassurance to any child that may need it.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
Feelings Boxes: Pop in a note and class teachers or a member of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team can discuss any worries and anxieties which children may have.
Wellbeing Boards: Our wellbeing boards in school are for both the children and adults in school and people can refer to them for guidance and support.
Virtual Parent/Carer Information Sessions
Learn more about how you can support your child’s wellbeing and mental health through childhood, the teenage years and beyond.
For more information on how to make a booking, please contact the academy.
Mental Health and Wellbeing events at Horbury Primary Academy
World Mental Health Day (10th October 2022)
As a school, we celebrated World Mental Health Day by taking part in #HelloYellow day to raise awareness for Mental Health. Here are some photos which show a range of activities throughout the day. Our Year 6 children made some positive affirmation cards which they use to build confidence, nurture positive self-talk and help to keep themselves calm.
For more information on the charity and for further information to support your mental health, you can visit the website here: www.youngminds.org.uk
Parent Workshops at HPA (12th January 2023 2:15 – 3:15pm) – Introduction to Children’s Mental Health lead by Charlotte Kirk and Aidan Richards (MHST in Wakefield)
Parent Workshops at HPA (13th April 2023 3:30pm – 4:30pm) – Sleep workshop lead by Charlotte Kirk and Aidan Richards (MHST in Wakefield)
Parent Workshops at HPA (6th July 2023 4:00pm – 5:00pm) – Anxiety workshop lead by Charlotte Kirk and Aidan Richards (MHST in Wakefield)
Workshops for our Y2 children (6th June) – Managing emotions lead by Aidan Richards (MHST in Wakefield)
Workshops for our Y6 children (13th June) – Anxiety lead by Aidan Richards (MHST in Wakefield)
Sports, Mental Health and Wellbeing week (19th – 23rd June 2023)
Watch this space for updates and a schedule for the week.
Useful links
Young Minds
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Whether you want to understand more about how you’re feeling and find ways to feel better, or you want to support someone who’s struggling, we can help.
Mind
We support minds – offering help whenever you might need it through our information, advice and local services.
Mental Health Foundation
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
You and your community should be able to live life to the full. That’s why we’re continuing to find ways to prevent mental health problems.
WF I Can
Online resource for children and young people in Wakefield. There is also useful information for young people up to the age of 25 years.
KOOTH
An online mental wellbeing community for free, safe and anonymous support for young people in Wakefield. 12pm-10pm Monday-Friday, 6pm-10pm weekends.
Every Mind Matters
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
A public health England and NHS site to help people take simple steps to look after their mental health, improve their mental wellbeing and support others. Get expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing and make them part of your daily routine.
Mentally Healthy Schools
https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/
Quality-assured information, advice and resources to help primary schools understand and promote children’s mental health and wellbeing.
Childline
Northorpe Hall Children and Families Trust
https://www.northorpehall.co.uk/
A leading West Yorkshire based charity supporting over 5,500 children and young people up to age 25 every year who experience disadvantage and/or difficulties due to mental health challenges or related issues. We support their parents, carers and siblings too.
Action for Children
https://parents.actionforchildren.org.uk/chat/
Free and confidential live chat (various times, morning to evening) with a parenting coach to offer information, advice and guidance regarding family life, caring for children or managing parental wellbeing.
Family Action
https://www.family-action.org.uk/what-we-do/children-families/familyline/
Emotional support and parental guidance to address complex family pressures and issues via telephone, text, web chat or email. Available 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday.
Wakefield Adult Education parenting groups
Classroom or small group-based parenting support from Early Years to Teenagers.
Samaritans
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/
If you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans listen. They don’t judge and they won’t tell you what to do.
Night Owls
West Yorkshire Night OWLS is a confidential support line for children, young people, their parents and carers. If a child or young person you care for is in a crisis and you are concerned about their emotional wellbeing contact Night OWLS.
SCOPE Navigate – emotional support for parents
www.scope.org.uk/family-services/navigate/
National mentoring service providing six weekly sessions of online/virtual emotional support for parents/carers of children with additional needs who are on the pathway to diagnosis or have received one in the last year. (Current 14 week wait for allocation of a mentor however initial contact is made within two days and screened).
Live Well Wakefield
Offers support for healthy living for people of Wakefield. It offers support for people 18+ who are facing non-clinical challenges such as: bereavement, aids & adaptations, education, assistive technology, mobility, social isolation, lifestyle advice, loneliness, long term conditions, home support, personal safety, mental health, housing finances and employment advocacy services.
Hub of Hope
This is an app which you can download to your phone. Wherever you are, there is always hope. The app allows you to find all the local services wherever you are in the country. Find support that’s right for you.
