Increasing numbers of young people are experiencing anxiety, depression, oppositional disorders and attention difficulties as part of poor mental health. While most children and young people will not experience mental health problems, a significant number will. Recent research has identified that a focus on mental toughness, emotional resilience and meta-cognition are at the heart of prevention to support mental health and emotional wellbeing within schools, coupled with targeted intervention when needed. At MRC we are eager to explore and embrace any approaches we believe will be to the benefit of our students. The curriculum seeks to educate beyond the confines of academic progress; challenging, stimulating and supporting young people throughout both their personal and academic journey. We are always mindful of this, and our approach to mental health and wellbeing is integral to this. We therefore work with a holistic approach that places education and guidance for all students and families as its core, whilst utilising many additional options to ensure the best provision is available when most needed.
MRC Wellbeing Strategy - Aims
To raise the profile of positive mental health and wellbeing for staff and students
To ensure students wellbeing is enhanced via their ability to keep themselves safe
To work with appropriate agencies on a coordinated approach to better support students and families in addressing mental health concerns
What does this look like at MRC?
Curriculum
- Expansion of PSHE curriculum in KS3 and KS4 to provide more time and focus on mental health and wellbeing
- Period 6 enrichment activities with a theraputic approach - lego therapy, art, mandala making
- Tutor time check-ins with themed sessions e.g Safer internet week
- Assemblies focused on current topics and trusted sources of support and guidance
Pastoral Provision
- Head of Year - drop-in support for all students and intensive 1:1 support where needed
- Close work with external agencies to ensure most appropriate support is in place
- In school Counsellor - individual and group work
- Fortnightly training to enhance and target individual student needs
- Emotional School Based Avoidance Coordinator working to re-engage absent students
Thought-Full: Mental Health Support Team
Offering 1:1 low-intensity CBT sessions for anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, sleep and emotional difficulties.
Website: About us - West Sussex County Council
You can request Thought-Full support by speaking to a head of year at college.
Whole staff training and support
- CPD training opportunities in place for all staff (eg. half termly safeguarding training, self harm, depression and grief, resilience)
- Development of staff wellbeing group
- Supervision sessions for the safeguarding team
- Diana Award - Anti Bullying Ambassador trained
Student voice and student groups
- 'Allsorts' LGBTQ group
- Workshops for small groups on anxiety, self-esteem, anger management
Digital Saftey - A Guide For Professionals
Luminova - Fun digital therapy for childhood anxiety - Click Here
Lumi Nova: Tales of Courage is an engaging child-led, parent/guardian supported therapeutic intervention that can be used on most smartphones or tablets. It facilitates graded exposures (the active ingredient of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with psychoeducation to empower 7-12 year olds with mild to moderate needs to learn to self-manage fears, worries and anxiety. It is practical, age appropriate, non-stigmatising, encourages self management and provides user progress and health outcomes data in real time to authorised professionals.
Support Links
Anxiety
Youth Emotional Support (YES) service
YoungMinds
Bereavement
Cruse Bereavement Care
YoungMinds Grief and Loss
Winston’s Wish
Winston's Wish Grief Talk
Eating
Beat
SEED | Eating Disorders Support Service
Eating Disorder 24-hour helpline 01494793223
Mood/Mental Health/Suicidal
Mind.org.uk
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide
Samaritans
Young Peoples Shop
24/7 SHOUT (free text service) 85258
Calmharm.co.uk
Online Safety
Online Safety Guide for Parents 11-13
Online Safety Guide for Parents 14+
Facebook - Safety resources for parents | Facebook Help Centre
Instagram - Parent's Quick-Guide to Instagram - ConnectSafely
Snapchat - Parent's Guide to Snapchat - ConnectSafely
Safe Sex
Sex and relationships | Childline
Brook