Mental Health Awareness
Thank you to our school community who raised awareness for World Mental Health Day today by wearing a touch of yellow. We were proud to have been awarded ‘The Wellbeing Award for Schools’ last year and continue to maintain a strong focus on supporting our young people with their mental health.
Year 7 student wins YoungMinds and M&S national campaign
A special mention goes to Betty in Year 7 who won the UK Young Designer Competition in partnership with M&S and YoungMinds for the Hello Yellow collection.
Betty was one of 8000 applicants from across the UK who designed a sweatshirt or t-shirt to be sold in M&S stores and online. All profits from the sales of the items of clothing will be donated to YoungMinds who support young people with their mental health.
The judges included Abigail Ampofo, Interim CEO at YoungMinds, Oliver McVeigh, Pearson Teacher of the Year, Alexandra Dimitriu, M&S Kidswear Director.
Betty’s incredible design impressed the judges and she was one of four winners to see her design come to life from paper to product and sold in M&S stores. If you would like to support Betty and Young Minds, here is the link to her winning t-shirt which is live on the M&S website.
Betty was also involved in a promotional social media video with M&S which you can watch here.
What an incredible and much-deserved experience for Betty!
Images sourced from Marks and Spencer Facebook Page.
Resources & Signposting
As this year’s World Mental Health Day is ‘Access to services’, Mrs Bousfield, the school’s Assistant Headteacher & Designated Safeguard Lead, researched and circulated a number of useful links for sign-posting. These include:
- Changes who deliver the Stay Well service offer support for adults. Their website and social media are great for finding out about events and workshops.
- Combined Wellbeing (North Staffordshire) Their website includes a wide range of useful self-help resources and services for both children and adults, along with information on how to access them.
- Midlands Partnership University NHS foundation trust (South districts in Staffordshire) Explains services and support available and how to access them.
- Adults services Mental Health Services (Adults in Staffordshire) :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
- Children and families services Children & Families Services :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
- Mental health support for children and young people in Staffordshire map and connects page for service/support links and information.
- Signposting for Men’s Mental Health:
- Campaign against living miserably (CALM) https://www.thecalmzone.net/
- Men’s sheds https://menssheds.org.uk/wellbeing/
- Andy’s man club https://andysmanclub.co.uk/
- Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent talking therapies. This service supports people aged 16+. In addition to 1:1 support they also offer workshops for pupils aged 16+ as well as for staff.
- 5 ways to wellbeing. Simple ways to boost mental and emotional wellbeing each day
- Urgent mental health support. If you are concerned about your mental health, or someone you care for, you can contact your local free urgent NHS Mental Health Helpline. You can talk to someone to receive telephone support, advice, or triage. This service is here for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for everyone.
There is also a wealth of information here on the school’s website. For any further support and advice, please contact your child’s form tutor in the first instance.
