Thank you to our Head Student Niamh for collating the below information.
The definition of mental health is ‘a person’s overall state of psychological and emotional wellbeing’. Mental health, just like physical health, can be positive or negative.
Mental health is incredibly important, this is because it can have an effect on how we think, feel and act as well as respond to stressful situations and difficult times.
Having negative mental health is not an indication that something is wrong with you, nor is it something to be ashamed of. It can sometimes feel difficult to reach out to people, but it shouldn’t be, there are many people that you can talk to and seek advice from, such as teachers, family members and friends. Reaching out when you feel like you would benefit from help is one of the most important steps you can take.
These resources are for varying topics of mental health, but, are accessible for everyone. Nobody’s problems are ‘insignificant’ or ‘not bad enough’. Everyone will have fluctuations in their mental health, and this is not something to be scared or stressed about. It is just important to make sure that you are safe, mentally healthy and not overwhelmed.
School Counsellor
If you feel like you could benefit from intervention, there is a counsellor within school. Speak to a trusted teacher about how you are feeling and if you would like to join the waiting list for the school counsellor and take the first steps to a stronger and more positive mental health.
Kooth – (https://www.kooth.com/)
Kooth is a free, digital and anonymous mental health service which offers young people support and digital counseling (through either messages or a live chat function).
YoungMinds – (https://www.youngminds.org.uk/)
YoungMinds is a charity that offers advice and guidance to young people, parents/carers and teachers, this is done via online resources such as videos and articles. They offer advice and support on numerous different topics and issues.
Wellness in Nottingham – (https://www.wellnessinmind.org/)
Wellness in Nottingham offers free support for residents of Nottingham, including online chat functions and phone calls. This service is available to everyone. It also contains many resources for self-help.
Samaritans – (https://www.samaritans.org/)
The Samaritans are a national charity that can be phoned anonymously 24/7 and 365 days a year. No trouble is too small to phone them and they will help with whatever you are going through.
Childline – (https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/)
Childline is an organisation that offers support and guidance to young people of all ages through online articles and information, as well as a phone line. They offer help on such issues as bullying, abuse, stress and issues with schooleork.
ChatHealth – (https://chathealth.nhs.uk/)
A chat service which puts you anonymously in contact with a professional in the Nottingham area.
The number for Nottingham is 07507 329952
Beat – (https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/)
A mental health organisation that specialises in helping people with eating disorders. This is done by offering helplines, online resources and local help.
CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
CAMHS is the name for the NHS services that assess and treat young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. A CAMHS referral can be made by teachers, yourself, or your GP. If you want to learn more about CAMHS and the referral process, speak to your GP or a trusted teacher.
