Mental Health & Wellbeing
Mental health and wellbeing sits on a continuum; everyone needs additional support at times and we strongly value the benefits of a collaborative approach between home and school.
Our Pastoral Lead and ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) is Liz Weston. Working closely with class teachers, Liz runs 1:1, small group and whole class sessions across the school focusing on nurture, mental health and wellbeing.
Liz has an ever growing pool of information, resources and avenues of support for pupils and families and can be contacted via the school office telephone number (01244 506480) or by email ([email protected]) should you ever wish to discuss any queries or concerns about your child's mental health or wellbeing.
Please find below some information on the Zones of Regulation, ELSA sessions, and contact details for a few of the local and national support services.
Zones of Regulation is first introduced to our pupils during the summer term of their Reception year and runs across the whole school all the way to Year 6.
Complementing our PSHE curriculum, the Zones approach supports the development of our pupils' emotional literacy and regulation skills by helping pupils to identify and express their emotions, and to each identify ways that help them to regulate their emotions across the zones using self-care strategies. The approach also promotes a positive growth mindset and social thinking.
The Zones of Regulation categorises emotions and states of alertness into four zones.
The Blue Zone is used to describe low states of alertness and down feelings, such as when one feels sad, ill, tired, or bored.
The Green Zone describes a calm state of alertness. A person may be described as happy, focused, ok/content, or ready to learn when in the Green Zone. This is the zone where optimal learning occurs.
The Yellow Zone is used to describe a heightened state of alertness and elevated emotions. A person may be experiencing worry, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, the wiggles, or nervousness when in the Yellow Zone.
The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, devastation, or fear when in the Red Zone.
Pupils spend time exploring the emotions they experience, how emotions manifest in themselves and others, the impact of emotions on their behaviour, and how they can best regulate themselves depending on the emotions they are experiencing. Further, pupils will be aware that they can find themselves between or across zones.
Whatever emotions an individual is feeling at any one time is valid - it is personal to them based on their unique experiences and perceptions. There are no 'bad' zones and no rush to get back to the Green Zone. Rather, pupils are equipped with and encouraged to use self-care strategies to help them to look after themselves (to regulate) whichever zone they are in. Healthy regulation skills help us to keep ourselves and those around us as safe and comfortable as possible, despite the presence of sometimes tricky emotions such as anger.
To support pupils' regulation strategies, each classroom contains a Regulation Station with some resources and prompts for occasions when a pupil needs to take a moment to reset before returning to their learning. Some of the visual prompts can be found below:
Whilst all pupils at Mickle Trafford Village School benefit from our whole school nurturing approach to mental health and wellbeing, we recognise that there are times when a child may require a period of additional targeted support in the form of ELSA sessions.
ELSA is an in-school initiative, developed and supported by educational psychologists, to support the intrinsic relationship between a child's mental health and wellbeing and their ability to reach their full potential and thrive.
ELSA sessions take the form of activities, games and story-telling, covering areas such as recognising and expressing emotions, regualtion skills, self-esteem, empathy, social and friendship skills, loss and bereavement, and transition.
Our designated ELSA room is a welcoming, relaxed, and comfortable space where children who require a period of additional nurture and support can benefit from a weekly or fortnightly 30-40 minute session tailored to their individual needs and interests.
Depending on each child's needs, they will receive 1:1 sessions or a mix of 1:1 and small group sessions.
Our ELSA's motto is Listen, Support, Empower and whilst there is no magic wand ELSA sessions are enjoyed and have a positive impact.
In our pupils' own words:
"ELSA helps us with our work."
"It's really fun and helps with people's problems."
"ELSA is a place where you get to express your feelings and if you are feeling worried you can get rid of the worry."
"It makes me calm."
"It makes me happy"
"I love doing it."
"It really helps with emotions."
"I think it's good. I think it helps me know how to handle things."
"It really calms me down. When I'm in lessons and get all stressed, it really helps me calm down and it's good to have someone to talk to who understands."
Pupils will be referred to ELSA by way of collaboration between class teachers, home, and our Pastoral Lead/ELSA (contact details above).
Useful websites and helplines:
Whilst we will periodically update the details below, the below is not a definitive list of the support available.
Please do not hesitate to contact our Pastoral Lead (contact details above) if you need further information or support - there may be new or additional support/resources she can provide you with/refer you to.
General Mental Health and Wellbeing
YoungMinds Parent Helpline
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The Charlie Walker Trust offers free mental health resources: |
School Refusal and Anxiety
https://ourtime.org.uk/info-for/parents-guardians/ useful short videos and clips.
www.acas.org.uk Acas - Information on stress, and employer and employee rights, in the workplace.
https://actionforhappiness.org Action for Happiness - brings people together and provides practical resources. "We help each other learn evidence-based skills for happier living, feel a sense of belonging and commit to personal action to create more happiness, for ourselves and others".
https://www.annafreud.org Anna Freud - World leading mental health charity for children and families. A website full of helpful information and resources.
https://bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zwnw8hv BBC Bitesize - All the latest BBC Bitesize content about mental health and wellbeing.
https://www.childline.org.uk/ Childline - A free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything. "Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, we’re here for you online, on the phone, anytime". Telephone: 0800 1111 (free)
https://citizensadvice.org.uk Citizens Advice - Gives people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. National charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/services-and-locations/services/new-247-mental-health-phone-line/ CWP - 24/7 Mental Health Phone Line Cheshire And Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Health (CWP) - If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse or deteriorates, this can be called a ‘mental health crisis’. In this situation, it is important to get help quickly. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to people of all ages – including children and young people. Telephone 0800 145 6485
https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/services-and-locations/services/west-cheshire-0-16-camhs/ West Cheshire 0-16 CAMHS team provides treatment and support to young people aged 0-16 that are experiencing mental health difficulties. Telephone: 01244 393200 Email address [email protected]
https://www.educationsupport.org.uk - UK charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff in schools, colleges and universities. A website full of helpful resources and a free, confidential helpline available 24/7 to all teachers, lecturers and education staff in the UK. Telephone 08000 562 561
www.gingerbread.org.uk Gingerbread - The leading national charity working with single parent families. Provides expert advice, practical support and campaigns for single mums and dads.
https://www.healthboxcic.com/mental-health Health Box - is a fully funded service that offers free 12 week counselling to key workers that live or work in Cheshire and the Wirral. Anyone classed as a key worker can self-refer into the service using a quick and convenient text message service 66777. You can also self-refer by emailing [email protected]. A member of the counselling team will then contact you within 72 hours to arrange an initial assessment to help allocate a qualified counsellor in the most appropriate therapeutic skills to support you.
https://hubofhope.co.uk Hub of Hope - the UKs most comprehensive national mental health support database bringing together national and local mental health services from across the UK for your mobile or tablet device. Download the free app or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
https://www.kooth.com Kooth - Free online mental health support. Kooth is accessible to all 11 to 18-year-olds across the county, with no referrals, waiting lists or thresholds to meet.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Mind - When you're living with a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is, having access to the right information is vital. The Mind website contains a wealth of useful information and support.
https://www.minded.org.uk or www.mindedforfamilies.org.uk MindEd - a free educational resource on children and young people's mental health for all adults
https://www.mymind.org.uk My Mind - MyMind is a website for young people, parents, and professionals working with children & young people. Here you can find information on how to look after your mental health, how to access help and support, and details of support services in your local area.
https://www.themix.org.uk The Mix - Essential Support for under 25s
The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. "We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via online, social or our free, confidential helpline".
https://111.nhs.uk NHS 111 - online can tell you where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do, how to find general health information and advice, where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine, and how to get a repeat prescription. Telephone 111 (free) for non-emergency medical advice. In an emergency/risk to life situation telephone 999.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well NHS Live Well - NHS advice about healthy living, including eating a balanced diet, healthy weight, exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol.
https://www.polarischildrensservices.co.uk or http://www.takeabreathhub.co.uk Polaris Childrens Services - An Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service for children and young people aged 0-19 years (and up to 25 years with additional needs).
http://www.relate.org.uk Relate - UK's largest provider of relationship counselling.
https://www.samaritans.org Samaritans - Telephone: 116 123 (free) Whatever you’re facing, a Samaritan will face it with you - here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.
https://www.giveusashout.org Shout - A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text: SHOUT to 85258 (free)
http://www.stress.org.uk The Stress Management Society - Non-profit making organisation dedicated to helping people tackle stress. It gives a helping hand to those who could benefit from some good advice.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/ Young Minds - UK's leading charity committed to improving the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Parent helpline 0808 802 5544
Addiction and Substance Abuse
https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Alcoholics Anonymous - a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
https://www.talktofrank.com FRANK - honest information about drugs.
https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/ Gamblers Anonymous - a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others do the same. The website offers various aids for the compulsive gambler including a forum, a chat room, literature and most importantly a meeting finder.
https://ukna.org Narcotics Anonymous - a fellowship of recovering drug addicts who can help you get and stay clean. A website full of useful resources and a meeting finder.
https://www.wdp.org.uk WDP - provides a range of health and wellbeing services to adults and young people across the UK. If you need advice or help around your drug and alcohol use, WDP can help you get the support you need.
Adoption/Fostering
https://www.adoptionuk.org Adoption UK
https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk The Fostering Network
Body Dysmorphia/Eating Disorders
https://www.bddfoundation.org BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder ) Foundation - awareness, research and support.
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Beat Eating Disorders - information and support (including webchat and national helplines), training and events.
Bereavement/Terminal Illness
https://www.sueryder.org Sue Ryder - Suport people who are living with a terminal illness, a neurological condition or who have lost someone.
https://www.winstonswish.org Winston’s Wish - supports bereaved children, young people, their families and the professionals who support them.
Cancer
https://www.macmillan.org.uk MacMillan Cancer Support - Information, advice and support for all affected by cancer.
Carers
https://www.crossroadstogether.org.uk Crossroads Together - Dedicated to providing information, advice and practical support to unpaid carers of all ages and the people they care for.
Childhood Trauma
https://www.naotp.com The National Association of Therapeutic Parenting - Provides support, education, and resources for Therapeutic Parents and supporting professionals relating to therapeutic parenting, effective interventions, compassion fatigue and the effects of early life trauma.
https://www.coect.co.uk Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma - An umbrella organisation combining resources, research and knowledge from cutting edge experts in the sector.
https://beaconhouse.org.uk Beacon House - A specialist, innovative and creative therapeutic service for young people, families and adults. With a special interest in working with individuals of all ages who have experienced trauma and loss, Beacon House is passionate about offering safe and effective therapies in a way that enables people to re-build their lives following stress and adversity. Takes pride in supporting individuals and teams to develop their trauma informed practice through training, supervision and consultation.
Crime (victim of)
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk Victim Support - dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.
Domestic Abuse
https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/crime-prevention/domestic-abuse Cheshire West and Chester domestic abuse portal - a website full of important information, local contacts and support.
https://www.tomorrowswomen.
https://www.dvassist.org.uk Domestic Violence Assist - the UK's only registered charity specialising in arranging Non-Molestation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders & Occupation Orders. Online information and support. Freephone: 0800 195 8699.
https://www.mensadviceline.org.uk Mens Advice Line - providing specialist advice and support for males experiencing domestic abuse.
https://www.refuge.org.uk Refuge - providing specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Telephone:0808 2000 247 (free)
https://respectphoneline.org.uk Respect Phoneline - "Choose to stop: We provide help for domestic violence perpetrators. You can talk to Respect in confidence about your violence and domestic abuse. A friendly Helpline Advisor will listen to you without judgement and give you honest advice. Free and confidential telephone support: 0808 8024040 (Monday - Thursday 10am - 8pm, Friday 10am - 5pm). Email support: [email protected] (Monday - Friday 9am -8pm)".
https://www.thehideout.org.uk The Hideout - Women's Aid have created this space to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it's happening to you.
https://www.womensaid.org.uk Women’s Aid - Online information and support, including webchat.
E-Safety
https://www.mickletraffordvillageschool.co.uk/page/e-safety/36741 - Provides links to many online safety resources.
Financial Issues and Debt
https://capuk.org Christians Against Poverty - Money and debt advice.
https://citizensadvice.org.uk Citizens Advice - Gives people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. National charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk Money Helper - free and impartial money advice.
https://www.nationaldebtline.org National Debt Line - gives free and independent debt advice over the phone and online.
Food Bank
https://www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/Services/812 Cheshire West and Chester food bank information.
Gender and Sexuality
www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/sex-relationships/gender-identity/
www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/sex-relationships/sexuality-sexual-orientation/
https://galop.org.uk Galop - Galop is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. Galop works with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of interpersonal abuse and violence.
https://www.stonewall.org.uk Stonewall - a wealth of online information and support.
Healthy Eating and Exercise
https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/supermovers
Honour Based Abuse
https://karmanirvana.org.uk Karma Nirvana - committed to supporting ending Honour Based Abuse in the UK. Online support and information. Free, confidential, helpline 0800 5999 247 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
Housing and Homelessness
www.cath.org.uk - Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH) offers support, encouragement and a safety net for homeless people in crisis living in and around the city of Chester.
https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/housing Cheshire West and Chester housing support portal.
https://www.shelter.org.uk - Shelter exists to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything. Online information and support. Free national emergency helpline 0808 800 4444 (Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm, Weekends and bank holidays, 9am - 5pm).
Parenting
https://parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk Place2Be Parenting Smart - Practical tips to support children’s wellbeing and behaviour.
SEND
http://www.cheshireautism.org.uk Cheshire Autism Practical Support -. Parent/Carer Autism awareness, training and support.
The Learning Disability Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (LD CAMHS) West Cheshire Email: cwp.ldcamhs.west_nhs.net/[email protected] Telephone: 0151 488 8041 The LD CAMHS Team consists of Learning Disability Nurses, Clinical Support Workers with input from a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Assistant Psychologist and a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Works with children/young people with a learning disability/global developmental delay and their families or carer(s). Also work with anyone involved with the young person’s care network i.e. teachers, social workers, health visitors etc. Accepts referrals for children and young people aged 0-16 years that have a severe learning disability or global developmental delay. Referrals to the service are usually made when the young person is displaying problematic behaviour which may include difficulties such as aggression e.g. hitting out or self-injury (hurting themselves) and or sleep problems. Services offered include: advice sessions for parents/professionals; parent programmes; behaviour assessments; behavioural strategies/interventions; individual skills work; sleep assessments and interventions; health facilitation; early years (0-5) extra support initiative; and training for parents/professionals.
https://www.togethertrust.org.uk Together Trust - Championing and caring for people with disabilities, autism and complex health needs. Providing life-changing support for care-experienced people. One of the North West’s leading disability charities. Help children, adults, parents and carers, delivering individual care, support and education to thousands of people each year.
https://youthfed.org.uk/ Youth Fed - The support is targeted towards supporting young people who have autism or other learning difficulties, for example, dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, auditory processing disorder, language processing disorder.
Sexual Assault/Rape
https://csass.org.uk Chester Sexual Abuse Support Service - CSASS is a friendly team of people, working with survivors of sexual abuse to help them feel supported and safe. CSASS offers a range of services, including counselling and group therapy, depending on the survivor’s needs.
https://www.rapecentre.org.uk The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (Cheshire and Merseyside) - is a registered charity that aims to provide crucial specialist support, independent advocacy, counselling, help and information, for those affected by rape, sexual assault and/or abuse – a free of charge service delivered in a safe and non-threatening environment.
https://rapecrisis.org.uk Rape Crisis - Help and support after rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse or any form of sexual violence.
24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line (247sexualabusesupport.org.uk)
Stalking
https://www.suzylamplugh.org Suzy Lamplugh Trust - information and support, including details of National Stalking Helpline 0808 802 0300.
Suicide
http://www.thecalmzone.net Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - Taking a stand against suicide - standing against feeling hopeless, standing up to stereotypes and standing together to show life is always worth living.
https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ PAPYRUS - Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Suicide is the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK. We believe that suicide is preventable. Telephone: 0800 068 4141
