At Highbury Grove we believe that every student should be cared for, both physically and mentally. With the current difficult climate we face, it is more important than ever to pay closer attention to our mental wellbeing and each other’s.
At Highbury Grove, we offer a range of different interventions to support our young people’s wellbeing. Please contact the Academy if you are worried about your child and would like to speak to a member of the Safeguarding or Pastoral team.
| Director of Learning Year 7 | Ms van Dongen | nvandongen@highburygrove.cola.org.uk |
| Director of Learning Year 8 | Ms Hasan | shasan@highburygrove.cola.org.uk |
| Director of Learning Year 9 | Mr Locker | slocker@highburygrove.cola.org.uk |
| Director of Learning Year 10 | Mr Flaherty | sflaherty@highburygrove.cola.org.uk |
| Director of Learning Year 11 | Ms McConville | rmcconville@highburygrove.cola.org.uk |
What is Mental Health?
Our Pastoral Care System
The Directors of Learning (DOL) and Head of Year’s (HOY) are responsible for the academic success of all students as well as supporting any pastoral needs. If you would like to discuss your child please get in touch with your child’s DOL and HOY via emails above.
PSHCE
PSHCE stands for Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship Education. In PSHCE, students are taught how to be healthy (both physically and emotionally); different beliefs; the risks of drugs, alcohol and tobacco; the qualities of positive relationships; British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance; and are taught how to prepare for future learning and employment. PSHCE also aims to develop and consolidate students’ communication; self-management and problem solving skills.
Highbury Grove recognises that the transition from adolescence to adulthood can be exciting yet challenging, and the difficulties a young person may face can require additional support. To help students negotiate these ups downs, the school has on-site counsellors.
Counselling may help with the following:
- Anxieties about schoolwork including exams and presentations
- Problems with communicating
- General stress and anxiety Sadness and depression
- Relationship difficulties
- Eating problems
- Bereavements and parental separations
- Loneliness, emptiness or feeling overwhelmed by emotions
- Lack of self-confidence or low self-esteem
- Managing transitions
- Making difficult decisions
- Traumatic experiences including rape, assault and abuse
- Difficulties with alcohol or drugs
- Issues around sex and sexuality
- Self-injury
- Suicidal thoughts
- Anger management
- Worries about appearance
The School Wellbeing Service
At Highbury Grove we have access to the School Wellbeing Service who are a team of mental health practitioners that support families and schools to help children and young people stay and get back to being emotionally healthy.
If you have concerns about your child’s emotional wellbeing or if you have noticed any of the following affecting family or school life:
- Having fears of worries
- Feeling angry or sad
- Difficulties sharing feelings and having outbursts
- Difficulties following rules and requests
- Difficulties with friendships or siblings.
What the SWS can offer
- Guided self-help interventions – In secondary schools, we offer 1:1 sessions of GSH with YP.
- Group, workshop and assemblies for students – On themes such as managing emotions and building confidence and self-esteem.
- Group, workshop and assemblies for parents and carers – On themes such as understanding and managing your child’s anxiety, positive parenting strategies and supporting your child with secondary transition.
If you would like support on SWS contact Jon Bellinger.
Brook Wellbeing
Brook are a non-therapeutic charity that work with our students to support their wellbeing. Brook have previously completed some effective 1-2-1 work with our pupils regarding inappropriate messages/communicating to peers that they like them.
Brook Support our students who benefit from wellbeing support linked to:
- Healthy sexual behaviours
- Victim support
- Online activity
- Cyberbullying
- Relationships
- Appropriate interactions
- Anxiety
https://www.brook.org.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing
If you would like a referral made to Brook Wellbeing please speak to your child’s Director of Learning or Head of Year.
Additional Resources For Support
www.kooth.com
Kooth, from XenZone, is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use.
giveusashout.org
Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
www.annafreud.org
The Anna Freud Centre is a world-leading mental health charity for children and families and has developed and delivered pioneering mental health care for over 60 years.
www.childline.org.uk
Free and confidential hep for young people in the UK.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/YfRzhXDKSZQxFVn30TlXBj/your-mental-health-toolkit
The BBC Headroom provides tips and tools to help improve your Mental Health and Well-being.
www.stonewall.org.uk
Help and advice for LGBT communities and their allies.
www.cityandhackneycamhs.org.uk/services/first-steps
First Steps in Hackney helps children and young people experiencing many common problems with emotional wellbeing, relationships and behaviour. Their aim is to easily accessible support – the first steps – to tackle problems early before they can become more of a worry. Young people over 16, and the parents or carers of younger children, can come to us directly. Or you may be referred to us by a professional such as a GP, school or college staff or a health visitor on 020 7014 7135 between 9am and 5pm weekdays.
CAMHS
CAMHS also offer a 24 hour Crisis Helpline – free, confidential, expert advice for anyone experiencing a crisis, including support and referrals to local services. 0800 073 0006. Lines are open all day, every day.
Services available with referral are:
Specialist CAMHS: 020 3316 1824 (9am- 5pm, Monday to Friday)