Wellbeing at KGGS

Our wellbeing ethos

Here at KGGS we have a whole school approach to wellbeing and strive to nurture and promote positive wellbeing for all our students. This is combined with an understanding of individual students needs, and how we can best support them. We are proud of our embedded pastoral support and wellbeing team who students can access in times of challenge. 

When difficulties arise, students can access in-house counselling and wellbeing support through a referral which is usually completed with their Head of Year or Form Tutor. Alternatively, they can self-refer by emailing the wellbeing team directly or through the worry box in the pastoral area. The wellbeing team can also support with referrals to external agencies. 

Emma Bradford

Email Mrs Bradford

Mrs Hall

Email Mrs Hall

Mrs Hubbard

Email Mrs Hubbard

As a parent, what can you do to help?

Mental Health First Aid England say: It can be difficult to tell whether a young person is developing mental health issues or if they are simply going through typical changes. Many symptoms of mental ill health are similar to aspects of usual adolescent behaviour. Considering a young persons typical functioning is a helpful way to distinguish between usual changes and mental health issues. 

What to look out for...
  • Changes in behavior, emotions, or school performance
  • Physical signs like signs of self-harm, or changes in appearance
  • Tiredness and/or difficulty concentrating due to changes in sleep habits
  • Less interest in things they usually enjoy
  • Being more socially isolated
  • Low mood or tearfulness
  • Low self-esteem or a feeling of worthlessness
 What can you do?
  • Share concerns with school, either with a Head of Year, Safeguarding team, or wellbeing team
  • Make an appointment to see your GP to discuss concerns and get access to NHS support
  • Signpost to apps, books, and websites: for recommendations, please feel free to contact the wellbeing team
  • Encourage open channels of communication
  • Read the NHS parent and carer support guide (see link below in signposting section)
If your child does want to talk to you, what should you do?
  • Find a quiet, private place where they feel comfortable opening up
  • Show curiosity about how they are feeling
  • Listen carefully and non-judgementally
  • Stay calm, ask open questions, let your child lead the conversation
  • Take what they are saying seriously, even if you are alarmed, try not to show it
  • Acknowledge their feelings and allow them to explore them: use T.E.D (tell, explain, describe)
  • Dont try and offer solutions, help them think of ways forwards themselves and show empathy
  • If you think there is a risk to their immediate health and safety, go to the nearest A&E department or contact your GP
 What to do if your child is having a panic attack.
 
  • Try and move away from any triggers to a quiet, safe space
  • Stay calm, its infectious- speak clearly and slowly
  • Acknowledge that their fear is real
  • Reassure them that they are safe, and their symptoms will pass
  • Help them to breathe slowly, in unison with your own
  • Use of temperature, for example running wrists under cold water, can help to calm the symptoms of a panic attack
  • If there is no improvement or if you are unsure whether this is a panic attack or other medical emergency, e.g., heart attack, call an ambulance immediately

 

What is currently in place at KGGS:

  • Pastoral system: Head of Year, Form Tutor, Pastoral offices, Wellbeing Team, student support room, SEND team
  • Mental Health Lead: Mrs Hubbard
  • School Counsellor: Mrs Hall
  • Staff trained in mental health first aid
  • Mental health and wellbeing are core threads throughout the school: guidance sessions, external speakers, form time activities, assemblies, sixth form individual development programme and the wider curriculum

 

Signposting and Links:

Please use the link below to access the Guidance Document on Mental Health and Wellbeing of Students at KGGS

Mental Health and Wellbeing of Students

Click to Download 7 Ways to Suppot Children and Young People who are Worried. [pdf 125KB] Click to Download
Click to Download NHS Parent and Carer Support Guide [pdf 2MB] Click to Download

Emergency/Crisis Mental Heath Support

If you need help now please click this link 

Depression/Anxiety

External Link Icon www.themix.org.uk
https://www.themix.org.uk/
External Link Icon www.anxietyuk.org.uk
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/
External Link Icon www.stopbreathethink.org.uk
combined minds

Stem4

Stem4, a charity supporting teenage mental health, have created the Combined Minds app. This app helps families and friends support young people with their mental health.