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When our mental health is good, we feel good inside. We might feel calm or content, peaceful, hopeful and accepting of ourselves and valued by the people who matter to us.

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Triple P gives parents simple and practical strategies to help them build strong, healthy relationships, confidently manage their children’s behavior and prevent problems developing. Contact me if you are interested in further information about Triple P.

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My name is Angie and I have the pleasure to be your Family Support Worker and Deputy Safeguarding Lead here at Camestone School. 

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My name is Angie and I have the pleasure to be your Family Support Worker and Deputy Safeguarding Lead here at Camestone School. 

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At Camestone all parents and carers are equally valued as part of our school community. We recognise the important role they play in the education of their children and the benefits and value achieved when there is a strong relationship between home and school. We encourage all parents to be fully involved in their child’s education and in the life of the school. 

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At Camestone all parents and carers are equally valued as part of our school community. We recognise the important role they play in the education of their children and the benefits and value achieved when there is a strong relationship between home and school. We encourage all parents to be fully involved in their child’s education and in the life of the school. 

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My main focus is to work alongside families to achieve the best outcomes for every child. By being based in school I am on hand for families who need Early Help or support in areas such as completing paperwork, attendance or accessing the Food Bank.

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My main focus is to work alongside families to achieve the best outcomes for every child. By being based in school I am on hand for families who need Early Help or support in areas such as completing paperwork, attendance or accessing the Food Bank.

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As your family support worker I  can help in a variety of ways including providing practical or emotional support for you and your children. I can support when difficulties arise around accessing services such as Early help, parenting and the wellbeing of children. 

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As your family support worker I  can help in a variety of ways including providing practical or emotional support for you and your children. I can support when difficulties arise around accessing services such as Early help, parenting and the wellbeing of children. 

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Early Help is a way of getting extra help and support when a family needs it, the aim being to get help as soon as difficulties start, rather than waiting until things get worse. It’s for children and young people of any age and their family. Help can come from all kinds of services and who work together to support a family.

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I am also a Domestic Abuse Responder – you can talk to me about domestic abuse.

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You can contact me through the school office at 01234 855587 or by email. I am  also generally hanging about at the school gate most mornings.
aspalding@camestoneschool.co.uk

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Sometimes the best thing I can do is listen

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Sometimes the best thing I can do is listen

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Mental health is the way children think and feel about themselves and the world around them. It affects how children cope with life’s challenges and stresses.

Children with good mental health feel loved, safe and secure in their environments. They also feel happy and positive about themselves most of the time.

They’re kind to themselves during tough times or when things don’t go the way they expect. This means they feel OK about trying new or challenging things. They enjoy life, learn well and get along well with family and friends plus they can manage sad, worrying or angry feelings and bounce back from tough times.

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*Build trusting, caring relationships with your child

*Promote high self-esteem in all children

*Provide targeted pastoral support for individual children

*Investigate concerns raised by children

*Safeguarding all children and their family’s

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Group Triple P is an 8 session universal parenting support program available to all parents and carers. It aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and confidence of parents when dealing with everyday common behavioural and developmental concerns.

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Most families need help at some point in their lives. Below are useful links to various support services.

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https://www.ethnicfoodbank.org/

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‘Ethnic Food Bank’ provides culturally appropriate food to those in hardship.

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https://bedford.foodbank.org.uk/

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Can you take part in our 40 for 40 challenge this Lent?

To find out more, click on the blue 40 above, or go to NEWS

At present we need: UHT Milk, Long Life Fruit Juice, Long Life Sponge Puddings, Cup - A - Soup, Tinned Tuna, 250g/500g Bags of Rice, Jars of Pasta Sauce, Tinned Rice Pudding, Tinned Potatoes, Tinned Carrots, Biscuits.

We rely on the support of our local community for food donations, volunteering and finances. Can you help us stop UK hunger?

If you would like to give to the foodbank financially our bank details are Bedford Foodbank, 60-02-13 account 71281320, please see the 'Give Help' for more detail. Please send an email to [email protected] so we can confirm back that the donation has been received.

Our foodbank works using a voucher referral system. Find out more about how we work.

Where we are
Get directions & opening times

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Bedford Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis

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Can you take part in our 40 for 40 challenge this Lent? To find out more, click on the blue 40 above, or go to NEWS At present we need: UHT Milk, Long Life Fruit Juice, Long Life Sponge Puddings, Cup - A - Soup, Tinned Tuna, 250g/500g Bags of Rice, Jars of Pasta Sauce, Tinned Rice Pudding, Tinned Potatoes, Tinned Carrots, Biscuits.

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https://www.thebreadproject.org/

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https://www.winstonswish.org/supporting-you/supporting-a-bereaved-child/

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Advice on supporting bereaved children and young people

Our blog is packed with advice and information from our Bereavement support Workers on supporting grieving children and young people. Below are some key articles, or click the button below to browse our blog.

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Information and advice on supporting a bereaved child

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Supporting a bereaved child can be tough. At Winston's Wish we provide information and guidance about our bereavement service, support for grief and loss.

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https://www.cruse.org.uk/understanding-grief/grief-experiences/children-young-people/

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Children, young people and grief - Cruse Bereavement Support

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Children & young people experience the same sorts of feelings as adults when someone dies. But they may express them differently.

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https://www.childbereavementuk.org/supporting-bereaved-children-and-young-people

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Children and young people grieve just as much as adults but they show it in different ways. They learn how to grieve by copying the responses of the adults around them, and rely on adults to provide them with the support they need in their grief.
Further guidance that may be helpful:
How might bereaved children react and what may help?

Children and young people have a limited ability to put feelings and thoughts into words and tend to show feelings with behaviours rather than words. Reactions will vary greatly as children absorb and process information in different ways at different ages.

The following reactions are common, and are likely to settle over time with reassurance, acknowledging what has happened and their feelings, giving them clear and age-appropriate information, and keeping to normal routines.

Picking up on tension and distress

Children pick up on tension, distress or anxiety in adults, and may mirror this in their own behaviour. Even babies sense that something important is missing, and may cry more than usual. Children of all ages may be clingy or unsettled.

Appearing not to react

Children under 6 years old do not understand that death is permanent. Children cannot handle strong emotions for long periods, and may jump quickly in and out of grief ('puddle jumping'). When told that someone important has died, some children may look blank and ask 'can I play' or 'what's for tea?' They may have heard, but they are not able to process what that means yet. They may react later with sudden crying, outbursts, changes in behaviour or asking questions.

Asking questions and exploring what death means

Children may ask repeatedly: "When's Nanny coming back?" or "Where has she gone?" even though they've been told clearly what has happened. They may hunt everywhere for a 'lost' person, and so a clear explanation of what 'died' means may help. Children may play games where the person dies, or is still alive. They may seem fascinated with death, play-act about death or ask repeatedly about it. All of these are ways that children show that they are processing their understanding of what has happened.

Feeling anxious or insecure

When someone dies, a child's sense of safety is rocked. They may not want to leave you, and may cling to you or follow you everywhere. They may behave as if they are younger: being very quiet or tearful, having temper flare-ups, sucking their thumb, being reluctant to do things they used to do with confidence, or wetting the bed.

Try to keep to normal routines which will help them feel safe, and keep them informed about plans for the days ahead. Tell them who will take them to school or activities. If you need to leave them, tell them when you will be home, or who will be looking after them.
Include them in simple decision-making that affects them. If the person who died was ill, address any fears about the illness (for example that it is not catching), and reassure them that you are not ill and not leaving them.

Anger

Anger and other strong emotions are natural reactions to sad or shocking news, and some children and young people may not be able to understand or manage their own feelings. They may feel angry at the person who died, at family, at themselves or at the world in general.

It can help to tell them it is understandable for them to be angry, as long as they don't hurt themselves or anyone else. Safe ways to release anger include hitting cushions, vigorous physical exercise, messy painting sessions, or going outside to shout very loudly.

Another idea is a 'safe zone' where they can go to calm down. This could be a quiet corner with familiar items that help them to feel safe.

Looking after adults or feeling responsible

As children realise that death is permanent, they also become aware that it happens to other people including themselves. They may be protective and try to look after their important adults and siblings. They may feel that they were somehow responsible for the death.

Primary aged children may show 'magical thinking' where they think 'if I do this, Dad will come back'. They may behave very well to compensate for what's happened, or be less well-behaved because they feel angry or guilty.

Denying what has happened or taking risks

Bereavement can be overwhelming, and can bring huge changes, alongside other challenges that young people face as they grow up. They may want to forget or deny the death or how strongly they feel. They may feel 'what's the point?' with school or social activities. Some young people may be impulsive or take risks, in an attempt to get back some control in a life that for them currently feels very out of control.

What helps grieving children and young people

Every child is unique and will cope with the death of someone important in their own way. There is no magic formula but things that help include:

Clear, honest and age-appropriate information

Reassurance that they are not to blame and that different feelings are OK

Normal routines and a clear demonstration that important adults are there for them

Time to talk about what has happened, ask questions and build memories

Being listened to and given time to grieve in their own way

Further information

More about how children and young people grieve, and what helps:

Finding support

For many bereaved children and young people, they may get all the support they need from those already around them that they know and trust. However, some children and young people may need additional support depending on their situation.

Latest

Most read

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Short films delivered by our support practitioners giving guidance on a range of bereavement topics. Read more

A list of books and resources relating to grief and bereavement and what may help. Read more

Watch short films and read experiences of bereaved families and how support has helped them. Read more

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charity bereavement child death grief loss baby stillbirth miscarriage suicide young people

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Supporting bereaved children and young people

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Children and young people grieve just as much as adults but they show it in different ways. Find out how you can help them and more about child grieving.

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Camestone is an Operation Encompass School

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Camestone is an Operation Encompass School

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https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/crime-info/types-crime/domestic-abuse/

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Domestic abuse is the repeated abuse of a person in an intimate or family relationship. It can happen to anyone - we’re here to support you.

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https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

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This factsheet explains what a non-molestation order is, how it can protect victims of domestic abuse, and how to apply for one.

Men's Advice Line evaluation survey

Have you spoken to our Advisors? Tell us about your experience

Take our survey

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Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men's Advice Line UK

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The Men's Advice Line is for male victims of domestic abuse. We offer confidential advice, non-judgmental support, practical information and help

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Please note, I am a Domestic Abuse Responder – you can talk to me about domestic abuse.

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https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

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YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

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YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.

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https://giveusashout.org/

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24/7

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Ways to cope with upsetting events in the news

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or sad about what's going on in the news, know that you're definitely not alone. Here are some actions we can take to help us cope better through times like this.

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Online resources and support

However you're feeling right now, you don't have to face it alone. We're here to support you with your mental health.

Take a look at our resources, information and support, find further help or reach out to one of our volunteers.

Resources for you

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Shout - UK's 24/7 Crisis Text Service for Mental Health Support

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Shout 85258 is the UK's first 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

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https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

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We do not tolerate behaviours that are threatening or abusive in any way. While we recognise that people who exhibit these behaviours have a right to the support they need, it's not possible for us to provide a safe and supportive space when met with threatening or abusive behaviours.

We act to prevent further contacts from callers who behave in these ways. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
Limiting or withdrawing access to our services
From time to time we may have to use the information collected about you when you contact us to make decisions about limiting access to our services. If we believe you are abusing our service or are abusive towards volunteers, we will use our system to block your calls or messages from getting through.

If you can't get through by phone, you will hear a message that explains how to contact us to discuss our decision to block you from our system.

If we take the decision to limit your access to our systems, we will make every effort to inform you as to the reason why we have restricted your access. We may ask you to give us a contact number so that a member of our Caller Support Team can call you to talk about your support needs.

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If you're going through a tough time, contact us free. We won't judge you or tell you what to do. We are here to listen so you don't have to face it alone.

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https://www.bedford.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/adult-social-care/community-teams/mental-health

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East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) provides mental health and associated services for Bedford Borough.

The services are:

Adult, older adult mental health and learning disability services

Adult rehabilitation and recovery services

Child and adolescent mental health services

Early intervention

The Early Intervention Team works with people between the ages of 16 to 35 years who have an incidence of a first psychosis. The aim is to work closely with GP practices and other referrers such as colleges to treat people at an early stage to prevent them developing long-term mental illness.

Assertive outreach

There is an Assertive Outreach Team based in Bedford. The role of the team is to work with people with long-term mental illness who have need of increased care and support. The team operates seven days a week.

Crisis resolution

There is a county-wide Crisis and Home Treatment Team. The aim of the team is to offer alternatives to hospital admission to people in a crisis. The service operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Community mental health teams

These are multi-disciplinary teams that work both with people with long-term conditions and those who have shorter term mental health problems. A range of interventions are supplied from anxiety management to long-term support. The teams link into primary care and also assist in the discharge of patients from acute psychiatric units.

Day care services

There is a range of health, social services and voluntary provision with close links between them. The services range from 'drop in' to vocational training and services to assist people into employment.

Acute inpatient services

Acute beds are provided at Townsend Court in Dunstable.

How we measure standards

Services are monitored by a Partnership Management Group and the Mental Health Partnership Board, and regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

See the Signs, Save a Life

See the Signs, Save a Life is a campaign to encourage awareness of how to support someone with suicidal thoughts and encourage us to talk openly about suicide.

The campaign runs jointly across Milton Keynes, Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton.

Suicidal feelings can affect anyone, of any age, gender or background, at any time.

Visit the Health and Wellbeing Hub to find out more information on how to support someone with suicidal thoughts.

Local services for residents of Bedford Borough

Please note that these are not crisis services, if you have serious concerns for the person do not leave them on their own and get urgent professional help from their GP, by calling 999 or taking them to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department.

Remember to make sure that you are safe and do not put yourself at risk.

Mind BLMK

A local mental health charity, with a positive and holistic approach to promoting mental wellbeing.

Website: www.mind-blmk.org.uk

Tel: 0300 330 0648

Bedfordshire Adult Mental Health Services

If you, a friend or relative are experiencing mental health problems for the first time and need emergency treatment or advice during office hours, then you should contact your/their GP. They will be able to refer to the most appropriate mental health service in your area.

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East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) provides mental health and associated services for Bedford Borough. The services are: Adult, older adult mental health and learning disability services Adult rehabilitation and recovery services Child and adolescent mental health services The Early Intervention Team works with people between the ages of 16 to 35 years who have an incidence of a first psychosis.

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https://chums.uk.com/

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Welcome to CHUMS Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing support for Children, Young People and their families, with other services specifically supporting adults; Babyloss Bereavement Service and Bedfordshire Suicide Bereavement Service. We also offer a Specialist Bereavement Service in Kent and Medway

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Workshops available:

*Dealing with Disobedience

*Managing Fighting and Aggression

*Developing Good Bedtime Routines

*Hassle-free Shopping with Children

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*Volunteer to help on school trips and in school activities

*Share any areas of expertise they may have with the school

*Become parent governors

*Become a member of the PTFA