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We offer tailored information, advice and support to parents and carers who are concerned about their child or young person’s mental health. You can speak to us over the phone, or chat to us online.

You can use our Helpline service if you are the parent or main carer of a child or young person aged 25 or under. Our service is available across the UK. It is free and confidential.

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We support main carers of children and young people, as well as parents. You might be a kinship carer, legal guardian, foster carer, grandparent or sibling. If you are the child or young person's main carer, we want to support you. Our advisers are trained and experienced in supporting carers as well as parents.

If you are a family member or friend, but you are not the child or young person's main carer, see our online information for advice around how you can support them. You can also encourage their parent or main carer to contact us.

If you are a professional looking for information about supporting the young people you work with, see our resources for professionals.

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Parents Helpline | Mental Health Help for Your Child

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The YoungMinds Parents Helpline, Webchat and Email provide support and help for parents and carers worried about their child's mental health and wellbeing.

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The Educational Psychology Service alongside other professionals within Tameside are providing centralised training sessions throughout the 2025-26 academic year.

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Whatever’s on your mind, we’re here to listen

Free digital mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK

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Qwell is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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Whatever’s on your mind, we’re here to listen

Free digital mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK

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Qwell is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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The UK’s leading discount service for those working in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, teaching community and armed forces.

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Blue Light Card | Discounts for NHS & Emergency Services

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Get access to exclusive discounts with the Blue Light Card. Available for NHS staff, emergency services, armed forces, teachers and more. Sign up today!

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SAS - VICTORIOUS ACADEMIES WELLBEING SUPPORT PACKAGE

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SAS - VICTORIOUS ACADEMIES WELLBEING SUPPORT PACKAGE

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Services available to you: Physiotherapy, Counselling, Nurse support, Mindfulness coaching and podcasts, Positivite lifestyle programmes, Integrated GP service, Wellbeing workshops, Healthline, And much more!

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ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free to attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. We want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation. #ITSOKAYTOTALK

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ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.

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Welcome to our Centre Activities page. Here you will find details of the sessions we offer at The Anthony Seddon Centre.

Our latest Activity Timetable can be downloaded below. The Activity Timetable is updated on a quarterly basis, so please keep an eye out for any changes.

You can sign up for our Activity Programme Mailing List to receive a new programme straight to your email when a new one is released.

Please Note:
**Our sessions are only open to those aged 18 and over.
**Some sessions may incur a small charge; this is to enable the continuation of these sessions.

Pre-booking of all activities (except drop-in) is recommended due to room capacities via Reception.

Craft Group

A chance to help create something using your craft skills. This may be card-making, designing and creating a mosaic, or making a papier-mache sculpture.

Reiki Group

Come and join Susan, our Reiki Master, for a relaxing session, ideal for those with mental health concerns. Reiki can help you relax and give you a sense of wellbeing utilising group Reiki.

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Centre Activities - The Anthony Seddon Fund

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The Anthony Seddon Centre Activities include Peer Support Groups, Bereavement groups and more. We also provide some therapuetic activities.

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Why do I become frightened or lose my temper?

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Why do I become frightened or lose my temper?

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Children sometimes lose their temper, become anxious or worried about things (and so do grown ups!). This is because our brains are trained to do this. this video explains what is going on in our brains. It helps us to understand "Why did I do that?"

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How Your Brain Works - Explaining the Triune Brain

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Free, secure online counselling and emotional support for children aged 10-25. recommended by NHS. Absolutely brilliant service.

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The invasion of Ukraine - what is happening and why?

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The invasion of Ukraine - what is happening and why?

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The invasion of Ukraine - what is happening and why?

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Russian forces have launched a military attack on Ukraine, with reports of explosions near major cities across the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared on Russian TV saying he did not plan to occupy Ukraine, but warned other nations not to try to stop them. He also urged Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their weapons.

Shortly afterwards, attacks were reported on Ukrainian military targets and Russian military vehicles were said to have crossed the border in a number of places.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister has said: "Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine."

The Foreign Minister stressed that Ukraine "will defend itself" and that "the world can and must stop Putin".

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This latest action from Russia comes after months of tensions between the two countries, as Russia moved lots of soldiers to its border with Ukraine.

On Monday, President Putin ordered troops into Donetsk and Luhansk, two rebel-held regions in eastern Ukraine.

He declared the two regions as 'independent states', and argued that people in these breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine had called for military help from Russia.

What has happened overnight?

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Ukraine entered a month-long state of emergency at midnight on Thursday local time, which is 10pm UK time.

A few hours later Russian President Vladimir Putin made his own speech on TV announcing a "military operation" in Ukraine's Donbas region.

President Putin said Russia demanded that the Ukraine military lay down their weapons, and warned other nations not to interfere.

Ukraine's foreign minister has accused Russia of starting a full-scale war, and urges the UN "to do everything possible" to stop it.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine" and that President Putin "has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack".

The PM said in a TV address that the UK "cannot and will not just look away" at Russia's attack on Ukraine.

Mr Johnson said President Vladimir Putin had launched a "vast invasion by land, by sea and by air" without provocation.

He said the UK and allies will launch a "massive package" of sanctions to "hobble" Russia's economy.

Sanctions are various financial punishments that will affect Russia. On Monday the UK had already announced sanctions against five Russian banks.

Earlier this morning, the PM spoke to Ukraine's president to discuss how to respond and promised decisive action by the UK and its allies.

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US President Joe Biden has said that the world will hold Russia accountable for what he called an "unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces".

He says "the prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine".

Mr Biden said he will be monitoring the situation from the White House and will meet with G7 leaders in the morning before announcing "further consequences" for Russia.

The head of Nato, Jens Stoltenberg, says they stand with Ukraine, and will do all it takes to defend all allies.

Russia had previously made a list of demands, including banning Ukraine from ever joining Nato, and said it would only pull its armies back if its conditions were met.

What is happening in Ukraine?

Pierre Crom

BBC reporter Paul Adams in Kyiv has said he has heard five to six "distant explosions" in the Ukrainian capital, and says reports are coming in of explosions elsewhere in the country.

In the capital of Kyiv, an emergency siren has gone off, and pictures show streams of cars as people leave the city.

There are reports of queues in supermarkets and people withdrawing money at ATMs.

In a late-night address to the nation, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed "we will defend ourselves" in the event of an attack.

"Hear us. The Ukrainian people want peace. The Ukrainian authorities want peace," he said.

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Russia launches attack on Ukraine - CBBC Newsround

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Russian forces have launched a military attack on Ukraine, with reports of explosions near major cities across the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared on Russian TV saying he did not plan to occupy Ukraine, but warned other nations not to try to stop them. He also urged Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their weapons.

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It can be hard to talk with other people about things that are worrying you.
But if the way that you are feeling is having a negative impact on your life the most important thing is not to hide it or bottle it up but to talk to someone. That’s why 42nd Street is here!

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It can be hard to talk with other people about things that are worrying you.

But if the way that you are feeling is having a negative impact on your life the most important thing is not to hide it or bottle it up but to talk to someone. That's why 42nd Street is here!

Here are some things about 42nd Street that might help you decide if we are the right service for you:

All our services to young people are free

We offer a confidential service - we won't pass on information about you to anyone else unless you or someone else is at risk of serious harm

We will try and give you a choice of seeing a male or female worker

We will try and meet you somewhere you feel safe and can get to

Whether you are black, white, gay , straight, disabled, non-disabled, male, non-binary, gender fluid or female you are welcome to come to 42nd Street

We will treat you with respect

There are videos on each of our services as well as more information on our Services page. Here's a short video explaining more about what we do in general and how we can help you. We made it in Salford but we do all of this across Manchester.
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​We call this a ' referral ' and you can refer yourself to 42nd Street.

You have to fill in this form to refer yourself to 42nd Street. It won't take long but there are some things we need to know before we can start to support you. If you need help at any point you can call us on 0161 228 7321 between 9:30am - 5pm Monday to Friday.

Please fill in the self referral form here.

​​Once we have your form, we'll make sure we have all of the information we need to get you the right support. We'll then arrange with you a good time to call you on the phone you if you've said it's OK to do that. During that call, which might last for up to an hour, we'll be able to talk together about how best to get you the support that you need as quickly as possible. We can answer any questions you might have about 42nd Street too.

You can join in most of our creative, group and social work programmes straight away to start with. Where you can meet other young people who may have similar interests and support needs to you. There's no pressure, but meeting new people and getting involved in a group or project can be really helpful whilst you're waiting for our support to begin.

There's is more information on our Groups page as well as regular updates on our social media channels below.

We also have a list of self-help resources on our Other Resources page here, which may be useful to you.

But if you find yourself struggling, don't wait, get in touch with us. Our phone is operated from 9:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Call us on 0161 228 7321 and tell us what's going on.

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It can be hard to talk with other people about things that are worrying you. But if the way that you are feeling is having a negative impact on your life the most important thing is not to hide it or bottle it up but to talk to someone.

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Need help or support?

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If you call our Helpline you will speak to a trained support worker experienced in listening and talking to people in a similar situation to you. We know it can be difficult to reach out for help and talk about what you are feeling and going through, but we aim to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space.

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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS, CARERS, CHILDREN

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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS, CARERS, CHILDREN

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A comprehensive list of resources and places you can go to for supporting mental health

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We have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and school and college staff can get the advice and help they need.

We have also added a new module to the   curriculum for   and   schools specifically designed to focus on mental health. This important addition will enable much-needed conversations about mental health to happen inside the classroom.

The list below is not exhaustive, and many other useful organisations and services exist, but it is hoped that these will help children, young people and adults navigate the key resources and get the support they deserve.
Seeking specialist support for children and young people
Local children and young people's mental health services (CYPMHS) are continuing to operate and in many cases are providing support remotely. Children and young people or their parents or carers can also contact their GP or refer to  NHS 111 online . Local CYPMH services will also have information on access on their websites: many offer self-referral or single points of access.

NHS trusts have established 24-hour urgent mental health helplines in most parts of England for people of all ages. If you have urgent concerns about a child or young person, you can find your local helpline  to discuss these with a mental health professional.

And remember to refer to your local children's services if you have any safeguarding concerns.

These resources are dedicated to children and young people 's general mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on mindfulness with developing coping skills in young people.

Student Space is here for students through coronavirus. However you're feeling, help and guidance is available. Explore a range of trusted information, services and tools to help you with the challenges of student life. You can use their search tool to find the services available at your university.

Sleepio is an online sleep improvement programme which is free for people living in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Thrive helps you prevent and manage stress, anxiety and related conditions.

Students Against Depression is a w ebsite offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.

Mentally Healthy Schools :  an anxiety thermometer as a wellbeing measurement tool.

NHS IAPT : free online NHS adult psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for common problems involving stress, anxiety and depression. IAPT services can be accessed either through a self-referral by contacting your   or via your GP.

Cruse Bereavement Care :  Coronavirus, Bereavement and Grief online information, advice and support. Helpline: 0808 808 1677 .

: *  Looking After Your Mental Health Resources aims to support everyone to feel more confident in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing by promoting a range of self-care actions.

For young people who feel particularly overwhelmed and troubled by Covid-19, these resources are helpful ways to manage anxiety around the pandemic, with helpful tools on homeschooling and self-care during lockdown.

The  Think Ninja  app educates 10-18-year-olds about mental health, emotional wellbeing and provide skills young people can use to build resilience and stay well. It has been adapted to Covid-19 to bring self-help knowledge and skills to those who may be experiencing increased anxiety and stress during the crisis.

The  Every Mind Matters  website aims to support everyone, including children and young people, to feel more confident in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing by promoting a range of self-care actions. It has been adapted to include advice and support about mental health issues that may have arisen because of the pandemic.

Keeping in mind that parents, carers and school staff can often be impacted by children's mental health, we have provided some select resources that can help adults better support children, and also find the help that they themselves might need.

Public Health England advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Resources for managing anxiety and improving wellbeing

Dealing with the effects of lockdown

Resources for building resilience

Mental Health at Work : Resources, Toolkits and Case Studies. Supporting Staff Wellbeing in Schools with a rich repository of information and easily accessible resources including videos and posters.

Sometimes, children need specific and targeted resources to help with problems they are facing. Below we have outlined some support available for particular issues, including loneliness, suicide prevention, eating disorders and domestic abuse.

DfE have published  factsheets for care leavers , setting out the support they can access during Covid-19, including one on their wellbeing and where to access support for their mental health.

Resources from  University of Bath  and the  'Tell Me about Loneliness' project provide advice and tips about how to tackle loneliness and are thoroughly rooted in evidence of young people's experiences during loneliness.

Helpline: 0808 801 0677

Youthline: 0808 801 0711

Studentline: 0808 801 0811

Operation Encompass   Teachers' Helpline staffed by educational psychologists, to support staff working with children and young people at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse (0204 513 9990, weekdays during term-time, 8-11am).

Children and young people can access free confidential support anytime from Government-backed voluntary and community sector organisations by:

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Mental health resources for children, students, parents, carers and school/college staff

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We have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and school and college staff can get the advice and help they need. We have also added a new module ...

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Guided meditation for children

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balloon meditation for kids - Bing video

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Balloon Guided Meditation for Kids Balloon Belly Meditation Kids Relaxation Meditation for Kids Balloon Meditations for Kids Worry Balloon Balloon Relaxing for Kids Beginner Meditation for Kids Kids Meditation Balloon Ride Balloon Breathing for Kids Balloon Breath for Kids Guided Meditation for Kids Hot Air Balloon Sleep Meditation for Kids

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Are you finding things tough? Need some help?  Phone Childline on 0800 1111 for FREE, confidential counselling support for all children 24/7. Also has  things you can do to help yourself when you are finding things difficult.

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On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

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Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

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APP - Anonymous online help and counselling for children aged between 11-24

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Kooth is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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Free resources - the videos are particularly good

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If you are a Young Carer, under the age of 18, you can join the Young Carers Project

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Click logo for further details

A Guide to who we are and the service we provide

Drop-in opening times (excluding bank holidays):
Monday to Wednesday 8.30am - 5.00pm
Thursday 8.30am - 4.30pm
Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm
Other times/visits by appointment.
However we take calls throughout Council office hours

Tameside Carers Centre opened in March 1995. Its aim is to provide those who look after someone in Tameside with information, advice, support and advocacy. The Centre is part of Tameside Council Services and works with partners to ensure Carers get the support they need. The new Care for the Carer Tameside and Glossop's Joint Carers Strategy 2019-2022 was launched in Carers Week 2019, click here to view.

Services at the Carers Centre are free, and impartial with confidential information and support available through Advisors. We are part of a service called the Health and Wellbeing Service within the council and can give you more details about that part of our service if you enquire about this too.

Looking After Someone?

Who is a Carer?

The Dept of Health definition of a Carer is -

'A carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or potentially friends. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems'

If you are a Carer, both the Centre and your local Adult Services may be able to help to make things easier for you. Services can be provided for the person you care for as well as for you. To find out what help is available for the person you care for visit

If, after looking at this page you do not meet the criteria we may still be able to help - please refer to the Health and Wellbeing pages.

You as a Carer might also be entitled to support in your own right from Adult Services depending on your own eligibility for Carers support. To find out more visit Carers support

Again , if after looking at this page, you find you are not eligible for support from Adult Services, please contact the Carers Centre and we will still have other ways to support you. You will still be entitled to an assessment from us at the Carers Centre. We can :

look at your needs and the needs of the person you care for through an Assessment.

Provide information, advice support and guidance as to how to access services which might help you.

We can even help you get in touch with the right services too, however you may have to pay for some of the services we signpost you to.

Be in regular contact with you if that is helpful.
The way this is done is called an assessment.

Carers may also be affected financially due to their caring role Welfare Rights and Debt advice service advise Tameside residents on a range of benefit and tax credit entitlements. The advice given by the service is completely independent, impartial, confidential and free. We have no ties to benefit agencies or other interested parties. The service recognises that individuals must make their own decisions, and that the role of the service is to give people the information they need to be able to exercise their rights. The service also provides specialist debt advice. All welfare benefits resources including guides and factsheets can be found on both www.tameside.gov.uk/welfarerights and www.advicetameside.org.uk.

Who can use the Centre?

If you care for someone who lives in Tameside then you can use the Centre and discuss any issues with a member of the Wellbeing Team. We look forward to hearing from you.

However, if you would like to book a specific time to come and see a member of the Carers Team do get in touch.

You can phone us at the Carers Centre during council office hours.

A range of other partners also may be able to help Carers in Tameside and we can tell you about how to contact them.

Contact the Carers Centre

When you contact the Carers Centre - you will be offered and given an appointment to be assessed as above. We then keep your details (confidentially) and we have a mailing list so we can send you regular information about new developments or changes to services. The register is confidential and names will not be passed on to anyone without the Carer's permission. On joining it, you will also receive our newsletter for Carers called Signpost quarterly. Please contact us on 0161 342 3344 if you don't currently receive the hard copy of the Signpost by post, we can add you to the distribution list.

Previous Editions

Autumn 2019
Spring 2019
Winter 2018

If you wish to register with the Carers centre contact us using the details below. Please give as much info as possible including your name and address and details of the person you care for.

We can also give you the information about if you worry about leaving the person you care for alone and in case you cannot get back to them we have something called a Tameside Emergency Carers Card Scheme We can give you this again - it is a printed form - not a on line form

We can support Carers in getting involved in areas of work are being undertaken to change services for Carers and and there is always something new and interesting happening.

Young Carers

If you are a Young Carer, under the age of 18, you can join the Young Carers Project. The project can give you:

Individual advice and support

The chance to meet other young Carers

Regular trips and activities

A regular newsletter

A Young Carers Pack

To join the project or more information please contact a Young Carers Support Worker at the following address:

Hattersley Children's Centre, Melandra Crescent, Hyde SK14 3RB

0161 368 7722

For other local and national organisations please connect to Carers in Tameside - Young Carers section.

Contact Information

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Click logo for further details Drop-in opening times (excluding bank holidays): Monday to Wednesday 8.30am - 5.00pm Thursday 8.30am - 4.30pm Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm Other times/visits by appointment. However we take calls throughout Council office hours Tameside Carers Centre opened in March 1995.

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Worried about something? Place2Be is one of Britain's leading children's mental health charities - get in touch if you need help

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Here is some useful advice from Place2Be.

I'm worried about something and I don't have Place2Be in my school

If someone's life is in danger, call 999.

If not, talk to an adult that you trust as soon as possible.

We can only help people who go to Place2Be schools, but you might want to talk to:

Someone in your family, like a parent or carer

Someone at school, like a teacher or counsellor (if your school has a counsellor)

Your doctor.

If you are not sure who to talk to:

Call Childline on 0800 1111 or

Text CONNECT to 85258 to speak to one of Shout's trained volunteers.

If you don't talk about it, all the sadness will build up inside you. Girl

I'm worried about something and I have Place2Be in my school

If someone's life is in danger, call 999.

If you're not at school and you don't know what to do, talk to an adult that you trust or:

Call Childline on 0800 1111 or

Text P2B to 85258 to speak to one of Shout's trained volunteers.

If you are at school, speak to the Place2Be person. Maybe you're feeling sad, confused, scared or angry. Or maybe you're struggling with something at home or in school. Whatever it is, we can help.

You might be able to book a short appointment with Place2Be during lunchtime or breaktime.

If the problem is really big or you need more time to talk about it, you might be able to see Place2Be more often for counselling.

I want to find out more about mental health

If you have Place2Be in your school, speak to the Place2Be person. They'll be happy to help.

There are also lots of websites with great advice for young people to find out more about mental health.

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Mental health support for under 18s - Place2Be

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Here is some useful advice from Place2Be. If someone's life is in danger, call 999. If not, talk to an adult that you trust as soon as possible. We can only help people who go to Place2Be schools, but you might want to talk to: Someone in your family, like a parent or carer Someone at school, like a teacher or counsellor (if your school has a counsellor) Your doctor.

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Youth in Mind initiative is specifically targeted to respond to the needs of children and young people.

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Youth in Mind | Tameside Oldham and Glossop Mind

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Youth in Mind prioritise two main areas. Firstly, we work closely with schools to raise awareness of mental health issues and provide education and support to students, parents, teachers and governors. Secondly, we offer an innovative range of therapeutic services that can be tailored to meet both school, community and individual needs.

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Some lovely ideas and resources for staff in supporting children's bowel and bladder issues such as early years potty training for schools.

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By working with settings across the Early Years Foundations stage, ERIC aims to help children achieve independence in using the toilet before they start school.
We offer:

Early Years and Education Training Courses

High quality training courses for staff, so they can confidently support children & families with toileting issues.
Potty Training Package including policy for Early Years settings
Everything for your nursery or early years setting to help implement potty & toilet training best practice.

General information on potty training

Practical advice, trouble-shooting and commonly asked questions about potty training challenges.

Help for schools and early years settings

How your school or nursery can support children & young people with a bowel or bladder condition.

Leaflets and factsheets

Downloadable leaflets on potty training, constipation, daytime wetting and more.

Contact one of our trained continence advisors if you need help supporting a child in your setting.

Products to support potty & toilet training and to help children manage their bowel or bladder condition in school or at home.

Latest

Most read

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Our conference for health and education professionals will take place on 10th October 2022 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Live streaming also available. Read more

A brand new role, vital in helping us to develop and expand ERIC's Family Services. Key to our success will be building ERIC's volunteer programme, so that all volunteers feel welcome, valued and able to make a difference. Read more

Thanks to support from the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, we are recruiting for two Family Support and Helpline Advisors. Read more

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By working with settings across the Early Years Foundations stage, ERIC aims to help children achieve independence in using the toilet before they start school. We offer: Early Years and Education Training Courses High quality training courses for staff, so they can confidently support children & families with toileting issues.

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Simple tricks to build resilience in our children. A very worthwhile read with practical, simple ideas

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British red cross resources

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Please add to your address book / safe senders list to make sure our emails reach your inbox. Alternatively if you don't want to receive this email, reducation@e.redcross.org.uk click here to unsubscribe.

The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949), Scotland (SC037738) and Isle of Man (0752).

Although the British Red Cross has taken steps to ensure this email and any attachments are virus-free, we do not accept any responsibility for viruses, or for inaccurate or incomplete information or failure to deliver information. It is your responsibility to scan the email and any attachments to ensure they are virus-free.

View our terms and conditions (including our data protection policy).

The red cross emblem is a protective symbol, the use of which is restricted by international and national law. It may not be reproduced without prior authorisation. View more information.

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Tools to help improve wellbeing during uncertain times

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We know that children’s use of the internet can be concerning for both schools and parents and carers.  In this toolkit, we’re sharing a number ofresources for schools and parents and carers. There are lesson plans, interactive activities and advice to help start these important conversations about responsible internet use and mental health with children.

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Worried about a pupil?

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While eating disorders can affect anyone of any age, young people are at particular risk. We know that the earlier an eating disorder is treated, the better chance someone has of fully recovering. Teachers and staff in schools and colleges are well placed to spot the early signs of an eating disorder, and educational establishments can take steps to address eating disorders at several levels with policies and practices, in their curricula, and with individuals at risk. Policies that address health and wellbeing, aim to prevent bullying, establish connections with health services, and set in place appropriate training and development for staff are strongly recommended.

Bullying and eating disorders

Bullying is a particular risk factor in the development of eating disorders. Even teasing or throwaway comments about someone's size can have a negative effect on someone who is vulnerable to developing an eating disorder. Bullying also doesn't have to be about weight and shape - any kind of bullying can lead to low self-esteem, a key feature of an eating disorder.

There are many areas of the curriculum where topics related to eating disorders can be included. Personal, Social Health and Economic Education (PSHE), media studies, physical education, drama and creative work all provide opportunities. Including emotional literacy, building resilience and positive body image into lessons is particularly useful, as is covering media literacy and the way images are digitally manipulated in advertising.

Individual pupils with eating disorders will require particular attention to their educational and pastoral needs. It may be necessary to adapt the learning environment to accommodate reduced physical strength or concentration span. People with eating disorders can have a strong drive for perfectionism and this can be evident in their academic work - with excessive neatness, increased anxiety about making errors and a tendency to become inflexible in thinking. Handwriting sometimes decreases in size to minute proportions.

Signs to be aware of

You can read about the signs of individual eating disorders here. Beat also run training courses for teachers at both primary and secondary school level to help them support pupils with eating disorders.

There are some signs that may become especially apparent in the school environment, which might include:

Social isolation

Avoiding eating around others

Difficulty concentrating

Tiredness

Irritability

Low confidence and self-esteem

Anxiety

Obsessive and/or rigid behaviour

Perfectionism and setting unreasonably high personal standards

Self-harm

Changes to weight - either gaining or losing weight, or experiencing fluctuating weight

Teachers may notice increased social isolation, and concentration levels will diminish if eating is very restricted. Higher functions such as abstract thought get 'switched off' if insufficient fuel is reaching the brain. Pupils may have high expectations of their academic performance, and examination success can be seriously compromised when someone has an eating disorder. Health must come first, and this can mean pupils being withdrawn from examinations in order to undergo treatment. The motivation of being well enough to continue with studies can help someone accept that treatment is necessary.

Liaison with healthcare teams if a pupil is receiving treatment is important. Most young people are treated in the community, remain at home, and continue to attend school throughout their treatment. If it is necessary for someone to be admitted to inpatient care, then plans need to be in place to reintegrate them when they are discharged and able to return to school. The multi-disciplinary teams involved in providing treatment should include educational staff.

The transition from school to college or university is a time of heightened risk if someone has an eating disorder and also needs to be carefully managed. Moving on to college or university can bring new challenges above being away from home, making new friends and taking on new academic demands for someone with an eating disorder. Being away from family and familiar contacts can make it harder for anyone who is struggling more than usual with their eating disorder. New friends may not notice the warning signs, or know what to do. The added anxiety of being in an unfamiliar environment, with increased pressures for achievement can raise the risks. Cooking for yourself, or finding enough 'safe' foods served at the student catering can be difficult. Providing continuity of healthcare for someone receiving treatment is another concern, as new GPs and other health support workers become involved.

Eating disorders also have a profound effect on the friends and family members of those with the serious mental illness. They may also be struggling as it will have a huge impact on their lives, both emotionally and in relation to friends, their ability to cope and perform at school and university. Both friends and family members of someone with an eating disorder will need support as well.

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While eating disorders can affect anyone of any age, young people are at particular risk. We know that the earlier an eating disorder is treated, the better chance someone has of fully recovering.

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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS, CARERS, CHILDREN

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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS, CARERS, CHILDREN

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A comprehensive list of resources and places you can go to for supporting mental health

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We have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and school and college staff can get the advice and help they need.

We have also added a new module to the   curriculum for   and   schools specifically designed to focus on mental health. This important addition will enable much-needed conversations about mental health to happen inside the classroom.

The list below is not exhaustive, and many other useful organisations and services exist, but it is hoped that these will help children, young people and adults navigate the key resources and get the support they deserve.
Seeking specialist support for children and young people
Local children and young people's mental health services (CYPMHS) are continuing to operate and in many cases are providing support remotely. Children and young people or their parents or carers can also contact their GP or refer to  NHS 111 online . Local CYPMH services will also have information on access on their websites: many offer self-referral or single points of access.

NHS trusts have established 24-hour urgent mental health helplines in most parts of England for people of all ages. If you have urgent concerns about a child or young person, you can find your local helpline  to discuss these with a mental health professional.

And remember to refer to your local children's services if you have any safeguarding concerns.

These resources are dedicated to children and young people 's general mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on mindfulness with developing coping skills in young people.

Student Space is here for students through coronavirus. However you're feeling, help and guidance is available. Explore a range of trusted information, services and tools to help you with the challenges of student life. You can use their search tool to find the services available at your university.

Sleepio is an online sleep improvement programme which is free for people living in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Thrive helps you prevent and manage stress, anxiety and related conditions.

Students Against Depression is a w ebsite offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.

Mentally Healthy Schools :  an anxiety thermometer as a wellbeing measurement tool.

NHS IAPT : free online NHS adult psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for common problems involving stress, anxiety and depression. IAPT services can be accessed either through a self-referral by contacting your   or via your GP.

Cruse Bereavement Care :  Coronavirus, Bereavement and Grief online information, advice and support. Helpline: 0808 808 1677 .

: *  Looking After Your Mental Health Resources aims to support everyone to feel more confident in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing by promoting a range of self-care actions.

For young people who feel particularly overwhelmed and troubled by Covid-19, these resources are helpful ways to manage anxiety around the pandemic, with helpful tools on homeschooling and self-care during lockdown.

The  Think Ninja  app educates 10-18-year-olds about mental health, emotional wellbeing and provide skills young people can use to build resilience and stay well. It has been adapted to Covid-19 to bring self-help knowledge and skills to those who may be experiencing increased anxiety and stress during the crisis.

The  Every Mind Matters  website aims to support everyone, including children and young people, to feel more confident in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing by promoting a range of self-care actions. It has been adapted to include advice and support about mental health issues that may have arisen because of the pandemic.

Keeping in mind that parents, carers and school staff can often be impacted by children's mental health, we have provided some select resources that can help adults better support children, and also find the help that they themselves might need.

Public Health England advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Resources for managing anxiety and improving wellbeing

Dealing with the effects of lockdown

Resources for building resilience

Mental Health at Work : Resources, Toolkits and Case Studies. Supporting Staff Wellbeing in Schools with a rich repository of information and easily accessible resources including videos and posters.

Sometimes, children need specific and targeted resources to help with problems they are facing. Below we have outlined some support available for particular issues, including loneliness, suicide prevention, eating disorders and domestic abuse.

DfE have published  factsheets for care leavers , setting out the support they can access during Covid-19, including one on their wellbeing and where to access support for their mental health.

Resources from  University of Bath  and the  'Tell Me about Loneliness' project provide advice and tips about how to tackle loneliness and are thoroughly rooted in evidence of young people's experiences during loneliness.

Helpline: 0808 801 0677

Youthline: 0808 801 0711

Studentline: 0808 801 0811

Operation Encompass   Teachers' Helpline staffed by educational psychologists, to support staff working with children and young people at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse (0204 513 9990, weekdays during term-time, 8-11am).

Children and young people can access free confidential support anytime from Government-backed voluntary and community sector organisations by:

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Mental health resources for children, students, parents, carers and school/college staff

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We have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and school and college staff can get the advice and help they need. We have also added a new module ...

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Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health for Schools in Tameside and Glossop

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By talking openly about mental health from a young age, children
can learn to better understand their emotions, break down stigma,
and feel safe enough to reach out for help when it’s needed.

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Discover all about the work we do to prevent abuse, help rebuild children's lives and support families.

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Free, confidential counselling support for all children 24/7. Also has resources that support networks may find useful. A brilliant place to direct children in distress to.

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On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

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Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

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Relax kids uses mindfulness, positive psychology and relaxation techniques to help children's emotional wellbeing.

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www.relaxkids.com

It's free! Join our Zoom call and ask questions, or just listen!

Discovery Call Relax Kids and ChargeUp

The next call is on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 7:00:00 PM

Click here to find the next call

Welcome

Welcome to Relax Kids - one of the leading experts in child relaxation training, classes and resources.

We offer quality products and services to parents and professionals working with children.

We are here to help you help children become resilient and give them tools and techniques to manage their emotional, and mental health.

Relax Kids uses research-based mindful and relaxation techniques alongside values and positive psychology (positivity, strength-building, gratitude, resilience and compassion) to help support children's emotional health and wellbeing.

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relax kids - the leading franchise for kids classes about relax kids

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Relax Kids - the leading franchise for kids classes

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It's free! Join our Zoom call and ask questions, or just listen! The next call is on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 7:00:00 PM Click here to find the next call Welcome Welcome to Relax Kids - one of the leading experts in child relaxation training, classes and resources.

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Positive psychology video for children, teachers, parents and schools. Some free videos to watch

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Brilliant Schools - Embedding wellbeing into your school

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Brilliant Schools is a new subscription service for schools, providing a series of high quality videos and activities for staff, pupils (primary & secondary) and parents. All focusing on developing wellbeing in your school.

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Great resources from Cath Hunter (Play therapist and author)

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A free online video resource introducing this easy to use and effective behaviour management tool that is used in all the schools I work with.

Video lasts 10 minutes. Watch video
Reflective language examples
A list of the reflective language examples discussed in my video for you to try. Download
Calm Boxes - A simple and effective tool for helping children manage anxiety
Have you got children in your class who are still finding it hard to settle or need some extra help? This free hand out and accompanying video introduces the idea of calm boxes as a resource for helping children feel safe and secure and develop self regulation. An excellent effective resource for the classroom but also useful in the home environment. Learn more
Supporting transition activity for 5-7 year olds
Transition in schools is a difficult time for children (and staff), and some children can feel anxious and scared which can impact on their behaviour, ability to build relationships with their new teacher and feel settled in their new class. This activity supports the transition process.
Download activity Understanding Differences Activity for 7-11 year olds
A short practical activity to help children understand and appreciate the differences between people in a positive way.
Download activity Read my blog
Regular advice and tips supporting the emotional care and management of behaviour of primary school children. Go to blog

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A free online video resource introducing this easy to use and effective behaviour management tool that is used in all the schools I work with. Video lasts 10 minutes. Watch video Reflective language examples A list of the reflective language examples discussed in my video for you to try.

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ANNA FREUD - CORONAVIRUS ANXIETY TOOLKIT

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ANNA FREUD - CORONAVIRUS ANXIETY TOOLKIT

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This toolkit includes resources for school staff, parents and carers and children to help manage anxiety and improve wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis.

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Free resources - the videos are particularly good

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the children and young people’s health and wellbeing programme

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The Children and Young People's Health and Wellbeing Programme

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The Children and Young People's Health and Wellbeing Programme

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We help children, young people, parents, and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.

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Experiencing bereavement in childhood is immense and means life will never be the same again. Grief impacts on concentration, learning and achievement (Childhood Bereavement Network 2015). Education providers have an opportunity to support children and young people in their grief; however, many teachers and education professionals are unsure of how to do that. Research shows that 89% of teachers had received no bereavement training during Initial Teacher Training or subsequent professional development (Child Bereavement UK 2018).

A parent of children under 18 dies every 22 minutes in the UK; around 23,600 a year. This equates to around 111 children being bereaved of a parent every day.

1 in 29 5-16 year-olds has been bereaved of a parent or sibling - that's a child in every average class.

Bereavement can disadvantage children and young people on many levels:

For all young people experiencing a significant bereavement there is the potential for both short and long-term consequences, particularly where general resources (personal, social and material) are low, or other stressors are high. Ribbens McCarthy 2005

A bereaved child's grief journey is particularly vulnerable to the help or lack of help provided by significant adults in the child's life. Wolfelt 2013

Outside of their home, their nursery / school / college / University is often the most important consistent influence on the development of children and young people. There are therefore significant opportunities to promote resilience and wellbeing. Child Bereavement UK's mission is to ensure the accessibility of high-quality child bereavement support and information for families and professionals.

: Click research report, here for information on our Improving Bereavement Support in Schools, funded by the True Colours Trust.

Child Bereavement UK offers education providers:

A national helpline providing confidential support, information and guidance to families and professionals. Our helpline team is available to take calls and respond to emails 9am-5pm Monday-Friday 0800 02 888 40 [email protected]

Live chat via our website is available 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.

A range of training options including Bereavement Awareness sessions, whole school training for Inset days, national workshops and specific training programmes.

'Supporting a Bereaved Pupil' is a resource developed by Child Bereavement UK and London Grid for Learning to help professionals when a pupil has experienced the death of someone important to them.

'Managing a Sudden Death in the School Community' open access portal designed in partnership with London Grid for Learning brings key information to schools in both film and text format with an accessible interface, to help schools respond when someone in the school community has died.

'Elephant's Tea Party' - a free initiative for primary and KS3 pupils which provides lesson plans, activity ideas and hints and tips on how to run a short bereavement awareness programme for pupils to decrease the taboo in talking about death and dying and increase emotional resilience.

School liaison support for specific children who are accessing support from Child Bereavement UK in Buckinghamshire, London, Milton Keynes, Cheshire, East Wirral, Manchester, Cumbria, Bradford, Middlesbrough, Glasgow and across Scotland.

Child Bereavement UK employs a dedicated Development Lead for the Education Sector.

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

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What we provide for the education sector

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Education providers have an opportunity to support children and young people in their grief; however, many teachers and education professionals are unsure of how to do that. Child Bereavement UK's mission is to ensure the accessibility of high-quality child bereavement support and information for families and professionals.

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High quality resources and support dealing with every aspect of children's mental health

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Browse our free mental health resources for those working in primary, secondary and FE settings.

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Free Art therapy resources for use in the classroom

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Free, high quality lesson plans and resources from one of Britain's leading children's mental health charities.

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Place2Be has put together a series of resources focused on community recovery, to help headteachers and school staff start to bring their schools back together following recent challenging times.

Drawing on themes including hope, gratitude and connectedness, these assembly and class activity ideas are intended as a universal resource for all children, and staff are invited to use them as starting points to promote emotional wellbeing and resilience for all.

News & blogs

Place2Be and Hive Learning win at the 2022 Learning Technologies Awards

Our Mental Health Champions - Foundation programme won 'Best learning technologies project - public & non-profit sector'.

Read more

Children visit GCHQ for a very special lesson

Children from St Margaret's CofE Primary School had the rare opportunity to step inside the walls of GCHQ's top secret base.

Read more

Children's Mental Health Week 2023: resources available now

With less than 3 months until the week, we're excited to release our free resources to help everyone get involved.

Read more

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Drawing on themes including hope, gratitude and connectedness, these assembly and class activity ideas are intended as a universal resource for all children, and staff are invited to use them as starting points to promote emotional wellbeing and resilience for all.

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A free website offering school staff, parents and carers, information, advice and practical resources to better understand and promote pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.

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Mentally Healthy Schools is a free website for primary schools, offering school staff, parents and carers, information, advice and practical resources to better understand and promote pupils' mental health and wellbeing.

The site is divided into five key sections:

Getting started:a starting point for school staff and leaders to gain a solid understanding of what mental health is and tips on how to begin promoting good mental health and wellbeing in their schools.

Resource library: access hundreds of quality-assured resources, including lesson plans, assembly ideas, classroom activities, and PSHE resources to support and assist in understanding, teaching and learning about general mental health and wellbeing.

Risks and protective factors: a look at the factors that can challenge and undermine a child's mental health, including bullying, social media, changes to family circumstances and more. This section includes information on how to identify pupils who may be at risk, and provides practical resources to help support pupils and build resilience.

Mental health needs: focuses on children who are struggling or who have a mental health problem. It helps schools understand the supportive role they can play and provides strategies - as well as tips and advice - on how they can help pupils.

Whole-school approach: helps school leaders develop strategies, policies and wider support across the whole school to promote pupil and staff mental health and wellbeing.

Mentally Healthy Schools is a legacy project of the Heads Together mental health campaign.

You don't need to be a mental health expert to use Mentally Healthy Schools.

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Mentally Healthy Schools is a free website for primary schools, offering school staff, parents and carers, information, advice and practical resources to better understand and promote pupils' mental health and wellbeing.

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Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

We offer specialist services to children and young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties.

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Healthy Young Minds Tameside and Glossop

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All referrals for children and adolescent mental health services in Tameside & Glossop now go through a single point of access team, in partnership with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council Early Help.

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We aim to provide tools to enable education staff to protect and strengthen their Whole School/College’s resilience to the wellbeing and mental health impacts of Covid-19.

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Webinar for schools and further education providers: Every interaction matters WITH AUDIO

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We aim to provide tools to enable education staff to protect and strengthen their Whole School/College's resilience to the wellbeing and mental health impacts of Covid-19. Education staff have a key role to play in supporting children and young people's wellbeing and mental health.

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Lots of ideas for keeping your body and mind healthy! Lots of fun

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Activities for Kids | Kids' Activities - Change4Life

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Build some physical activity into your child's day, from 10 Minute Shake Up games to sports the whole family can enjoy.

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Free training covering issues such as bereavement, loss, anxiety, stress and trauma.

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How are children affected by Covid and how can we shape our schools to support them?

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PLACE2BE FREE MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION TRAINING FOR ALL SCHOOL STAFF

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PLACE2BE FREE MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION TRAINING FOR ALL SCHOOL STAFF

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Foundation (or refresher) programme to gain a deeper understanding of Mental Health.

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Gain a deeper understanding of mental health by joining our online Mental Health Champions - Foundation programme. You can take the programme as an introduction to mental health or use it as a tool to refresh your existing knowledge.

Overview

Our CPD-certified Mental Health Champions Foundation programme is an award-winning online children's mental health training course developed from our work in schools. The programme aims to:

enhance professionals' understanding of children's mental health

introduce approaches that foster positive wellbeing in schools, colleges and communities.

The course is suitable for people working with children and young people of any age.

93% feel that the course has increased their capacity to lead a positive approach to mental health and wellbeing.

Key information

Length:

5-week online programme

Frequency:

1-1.5 hours per week to be completed at a time convenient to you

GB - Teachers and School Staff - FREE 06 Sep 2023

England - Trainee Teachers - FREE 06 Sep 2023

GB - Youth Groups - FREE 11 Sep 2023

Course details

You will have a dedicated Place2Be professional to join discussions and aid online learning

A 5-week programme with regular start dates for you to choose from

Broken down into 15-minute sections to fit around your day (1-1.5 hours per week total)

No fixed timings - you can access the programme via any device and work through it at a time to suit you

Helps support your wellbeing

Modules

1. Understanding mental health & wellbeing

We introduce factors that contribute to positive mental health and wellbeing.

2. Nature and nurture

We explore how early experiences shape the way we perceive ourselves and relate to others, and how those experiences create the pathways in the brain that support our development.

3. How can I help?

We consider what a child's behaviour might communicate about their underlying needs.

4. Mental health: everybody's business

We reflect on the importance of positive mental health for everyone, focusing on the adults around a child.

Once you complete the Mental Health Champions - Foundation programme, you will also gain immediate access to the Place2Be Staffroom, a dedicated space to access additional resources, tips and learning.

In the Staffroom, you can:

Gain access to new materials and tools to foster positive wellbeing in schools and youth groups

Access projects from Place2Be's Art Room to use with young people

View live webinars and questions and answer sessions on a host of mental health issues

Continue to learn about the mental health of the whole school and community approach

Share your experiences and tips with your colleagues across the UK

Who is it for?

We run multiple versions of the Mental Health Champions - Foundation programme:

To sign up for this course, please use the booking form at the bottom of this page.

For teachers and school staff

The Teacher programme is free to UK-qualified teachers and school-based staff. You will need to have UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), be an Early Career Teacher (ECT), Probationer, Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) or have a school-based role.

For trainee teachers

Our Foundation programme for trainee teachers has an additional focus on supporting you and your mental health around your placement. We have designed it to complement and run alongside the Initial teacher training (ITT) core content framework. The programme is free for people training to become a teacher or on an early years course with a placement in school.

For youth groups

Our Foundation programme for youth groups focuses on working with young people outside the school system. It's free for youth workers and trusted adults who work with young people to support their development in care, informal education and leisure approaches.
We run all courses in open cohorts. For private group prices, please get in touch with us.

Accreditation

The Mental Health - Foundations programme is CPD (Continuing professional development) certified.

We were nominated for UK Charity Award in the Children and Youth category 2022.

We are a Learning Partner of the Chartered College of Teaching.

We were a Gold Winner for the Best learning and technologies project - public and non-profit sector at the Learning Technologies Awards 2022.

More information

Check out our frequently asked questions. If you require more information, please email  mhc@place2be.org.uk.

Key information

Length:

5-week online programme

Frequency:

1-1.5 hours per week to be completed at a time convenient to you

GB - Teachers and School Staff - FREE 06 Sep 2023

England - Trainee Teachers - FREE 06 Sep 2023

GB - Youth Groups - FREE 11 Sep 2023

Endorsements

What I really liked about the training was that it didn't just give you the theory, but provided lots of ways to put this theory into practice...I also found the discussion element-where other teachers gave their feedback-really helpful

Teacher on Mental Health Champions - Foundation programme.

Book now

Please make sure you register for the correct course. On the day the course begins, you will receive an email inviting you to join our learning platform. That is where you will find all resources you need to complete the programme.
Get in touch with us for group prices for closed cohorts.

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mental health champions foundation programme

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Children's mental health training course

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Join our online Mental Health Champions - Foundation programme to gain a deeper understanding of mental health. This online course can be an introduction or a refresher.

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What do you like? How do you feel? Who are you? This brightly illustrated children's book provides a straightforward introduction to gender for anyone aged 5-8. It presents clear and direct language for understanding..

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The reds, the yellows, and the blues all think they're the best in this vibrant, thought-provoking picture book from Arree Chung, with a message of acceptance, inclusion and unity. Also great for colour mixing!

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0:00 / 2:53•Watch full video

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Youtube reading - A picture book by Virginia Ironside encouraging children to open up about their fears and anxieties to help manage their feelings.
The perfect book to soothe worries during stressful times

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Youtube reading - Dr Seuss does it again! Great feelings book for younger children - and helps to teach colours too!

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It's a film not a book but still great for thinking about our feelings in child appropriate ways.

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Youtbe reading by Patrice Karst of the bestselling picture book phenomenon about the unbreakable connections between loved ones/

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Free resources - the videos are particularly good

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Physical exercise is the best medicine to support mental wellbeing - lots of fun here!

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This page is to provide links for staff to support their wellbeing

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THIS LINK TAKES YOU TO A PAGE WHICH MAY CONTAIN PRE - COVID NHS ADVICE. PLEASE ENSURE YOU FOLLOW CURRENT GOVERNMENT COVID GUIDELINES Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

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Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
1. Connect with other people

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:

help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth

give you an opportunity to share positive experiences

provide emotional support and allow you to support others

There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

raising your self-esteem

helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them

causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood

Read about exercise guidelines and workouts to help improve your fitness and wellbeing

3. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem

helping you to build a sense of purpose

helping you to connect with others

Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.

Some of the things you could try include:

4. Give to others

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:

creating positive feelings and a sense of reward

giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth

helping you connect with other people

It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.

Some examples of the things you could try include:

saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you

asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer

spending time with friends or relatives who need support or company

offering to help someone you know with DIY or a work project

volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

Read more about mindfulness, including steps you can take to be more mindful in your everyday life.

Further information

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Read about 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

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Crisis support. Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call, email, write a letter or download the app. FREE

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Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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Positive psychology video for children, teachers, parents and schools. Some free videos to watch

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Brilliant Schools - Embedding wellbeing into your school

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Brilliant Schools is a new subscription service for schools, providing a series of high quality videos and activities for staff, pupils (primary & secondary) and parents. All focusing on developing wellbeing in your school.

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Support for all frontline staff created with NHS Health Education England in partnership with NHS England-Improvement, supported by Skills for Care

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MindEd is a free educational resource providing education about children and young people, adults and older people's mental health for all adults.

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Free resources - the videos are particularly good

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Had a bad day? Professional or personal worries? Free 24/7 counselling for all who work in education

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No matter what you're going through, we're always here for you, day or night, all the time. Call us. You'll feel better.

In these unprecedented times we are here for you. No matter what you're feeling, our free, confidential helpline is always here 24/7. Night or day, our trained counsellors are here to listen to you without judgement and help you find a way forward, whatever your worries or concerns and feel better.

UK-wide: 08000 562 561
Txt: 07909 341229

Our helpline is free and available to all teachers, lecturers and staff in education (primary, secondary, further or higher education) in England, Wales and Scotland 24/7, 365 days a year.
Download a helpline poster
Please note: This is our free helpline number. If your school or organisation has purchased an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) please call the numbers provided on your leaflets and wallet cards to access the full range of additional services offered. If you don't have the number contact servicedelivery@edsupport.org.uk with the name of your organisation and postcode.

Frequently asked questions

What happens when I call?
A member of our friendly support team will find out why you are calling and choose the best person for you to speak to. Depending on your needs they might:

deal with your call personally and offer emotional support straight away

offer action plan support (coaching)

transfer you to one of our trained and accredited counsellors for counselling

connect you to one of our other services such as grants or information

assist with referral for long term treatment (for example, to your GP)

What does it cost to call?
08000 numbers are now free from UK landlines and mobiles.

Who will I be talking to?
The person will ask some questions to find out more about your situation and might help you set some short term goals to find a way forward.

If you need counselling, you'll be speaking to one of our British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited counsellors.

If you call between the hours of 8pm and 8am you'll receive support from outside the UK.
What services do you offer over the phone?

Emotional Support (counselling)
This might be in the moment support during one phone call or up to six sessions of telephone counselling with one of our accredited counsellors

Action Plan Support (coaching)
Our coaches will help you develop an action plan to develop your concerns using the GROW modal. GROW stands for Goal, current Reality, Options (or obstacles), will (or way forward).

Referral service (information and signposting)
Our coaches really understand the education system and life in the classroom. But if we don't have the answer to your problem ourselves, we'll point you towards someone who does.

Are there online options?
Yes, you can access our services by email or live chat.

Is it completely confidential?
Yes. We'll only break confidentiality if:

there's a risk to your own health and safety, or to that of others; or

if you've been involved in a crime

Can I talk to someone in Welsh or other languages?
We support over one hundred additional languages through active translation. A full list is available to read.

Can I call from the Channel Islands where I can't use 08000 numbers?
Yes. We have an alternative number for callers who don't have access to 08000 numbers. Use 020 8987 6212 instead.

Can I speak to someone if I have difficulty hearing?
Yes. You can talk to an advisor through our live chat or email services.

Who do I call if my school or college has an Employee Assistance Programme
If your school or organisation has purchased an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) please call the numbers provided on your leaflets and wallet cards to access the full range of additional services offered.

If you don't have the number contact servicedelivery@edsupport.org.uk with the name of your organisation and postcode.

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In these unprecedented times we are here for you. No matter what you're feeling, our free, confidential helpline is always here 24/7. Night or day, our trained counsellors are here to listen to you without judgement and help you find a way forward, whatever your worries or concerns and feel better.

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Free counselling and wellbeing services for Tameside, Oldham and Glossop

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Services | Tameside Oldham and Glossop Mind

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TOG Mind provides a variety of services. We pride ourselves on finding new and effective ways to help people with their mental wellbeing.

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Strategies to support anxiety for all and children with trauma

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Strategies to support anxiety for all and children with trauma

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A booklet designed for parents to support children with Trauma, but actually helpful for any child suffering with anxiety or other feelings. Lots of good quality strategies and resources to help children.

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How to talk to children about natural disasters

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How to talk to children about natural disasters

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A wonderful resource produced by UNICEF with tips to help comfort and protect children.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed and devastated by catastrophic scenes caused by natural disasters.
Here is a guide for how to talk with children overwhelmed by natural disasters.

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It is easy to feel overwhelmed and devastated by catastrophic scenes caused by natural disasters.

Whether it's Australia's vicious bushfires or devastating flooding, here are some tips to help guide those hard conversations with children.

Families across the country are on edge. Sometimes, children don't have ways of understanding what they see and can be particularly vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness.

So how do we help our children cope with this unprecedented emergency? How do we make them feel safe?

UNICEF's years of experience in providing counseling and emotional support to children impacted by disaster tells us that children and young people respond differently to disaster than adults.

Some may react immediately with changes in behaviour. These changes may include acting out, becoming clingy or changes in sleep patterns or they may be inward focussed with the child becoming withdrawn and quiet.

Some children may show signs of difficulty at a later stage. Their needs will vary depending on their ages and how much they understand of what they see.

But having an open, supportive discussion with your kids can help them understand, cope and even make a positive contribution. These conversations aren't easy, but can be crucial to ensuring that children feel safe after a disaster.

Here is a guide for how to talk with children overwhelmed by natural disasters.

1. Focus on the child, not the distress

Start by asking your kids' permission to talk about the issue. Follow their lead and if they don't want to discuss it, don't push it.

Some children may be eager to talk about their concerns while others might find it difficult. Just remind your children that they can talk to you, their teachers and other trusted adults whenever they like.

Drawing, stories and other activities may help to open up a discussion. Don't dismiss or avoid their concerns. Be sure to acknowledge their feelings and assure them it's natural to feel sad or scared about these things.

2. Be honest, explain the truth

Children have a right to truthful information about what is happening in the world but adults also have a responsibility to keep them safe from distress. Use age-appropriate language, be mindful of their reactions and be sensitive to their level of anxiety.

ABC's Behind the News is a fantastic resource for explaining big events happening in the world right now. The explain situations in the eyes of children, using safe images and language that is easy to understand.

If you don't know the answer to their questions, use it as an opportunity to explore the answers together.

3. Offer reassurance

Tell your children that you love them and remind them that the adults in their lives are doing everything they can to keep them safe.

Plan to spend extra time with them as they get past the distress and anxiety. Children are resilient and hopeful.

4. Help children get back to their normal routine

We know from our work on the ground that it is extremely important for children affected by disaster to get back to playing and learning so that they can regain a sense of normalcy and routine.

In crisis spots around the world, UNICEF sets up child-friendly spaces where children have a place to feel safe, learn and play. Help your child regain a sense of normalcy by encouraging them to take part in activities they enjoy like playing with friends, reading and drawing.

5. Show them all the good people trying to help

It's important for children to know about the acts of bravery, generosity and kindness from ordinary people trying to help families impacted by natural disasters.

Sharing stories of volunteer first responders, community leaders and every day Australians showing compassion can be comforting and reassuring.

6. Show them how they can help

Talking to children and showing how they can help others can be empowering and a vital step to restoring confidence. Get together and brainstorm ideas about what small or big actions you or they can take. Together, your kids and their friends can raise money, make posters or any other creative ideas that spring to mind.

7. Take care of yourself

You'll be better able to help your kids if you're coping well too. Children will pick up on your own response to the news, so it helps them to know you're calm and in control.

If you're feeling anxious or upset, take time for yourself and reach out to other family, friends and trusted people in your community. If you want some extra help, get in touch with beyondblue or Lifeline.

Make time, however small, to do things you enjoy and join your kids in doing something constructive to help the situation.

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How to talk to your children about natural disasters

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It is easy to feel overwhelmed and devastated by catastrophic scenes caused by natural disasters. Whether it's bushfires or devastating flooding, here are tips to help guide those hard conversations.

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Does your child suffer from sleep issues?
Do y0u struggle with your child's bedtime routine?
Will your child not sleep in their own bed?
The National Sleep Helpline can help!

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The children's Bowel and bladder charity

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The children's Bowel and bladder charity

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Charity supporting parents and children with owel and bladder problems. Great resources for children and adults alike.

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Online information and resources

Each section has Frequently Asked Questions on the most common queries parents ask our Helpline advisors.

There's also information on what help at school should be available to support children with bowel and bladder conditions.

Download our free resources

ERIC shop

Our online shop stocks a range of continence products to help your child overcome or manage their bowel or bladder problem. Our in-depth knowledge will help you find the perfect product for your child.
Find a product
ERIC Helpline support

Our advisors are here to support young people with a bladder or bowel problem and their families.

Parent and carer workshops

Get expert advice how to deal with potty training and childhood bowel and bladder problems.

HealthUnlocked community

Forums are a great way to share your experiences with others facing similar issues. Our forum for parents and carers is hosted on HealthUnlocked, the social network for health.
Join the community Latest posts on HealthUnlocked

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Our conference for health and education professionals will take place on 10th October 2022 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Live streaming also available. Read more

We have refreshed our online shop, making it easier to find the right products for your child and support our work. Read more

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ERIC offers a range of support and information for parents and carers. Online information and resources Potty training Constipation and soiling Daytime bladder problems Bedwetting Each section has Frequently Asked Questions on the most common queries parents ask our Helpline advisors.

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Watch this with your children - Why do I become frightened or lose my temper?

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Watch this with your children - Why do I become frightened or lose my temper?

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Children sometimes lose their temper, become anxious or worried about things (and so do grown ups!). This is because our brains are trained to do this. this video explains what is going on in our brains. It helps us to understand "Why did I do that?"

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How Your Brain Works - Explaining the Triune Brain

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Children sometimes lose their temper, become anxious or worried about things we may perceive as small. This video by renowned neuroscientist Dr. Dan Siegal explains why.

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Dr Daniel Siegel presenting a Hand Model of the Brain

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Free, secure online counselling and emotional support for children aged 10-25. recommended by NHS. Absolutely brilliant service.

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Simple tricks to build resilience in our children. A very worthwhile read with practical, simple ideas

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UKRAINE - HELP SUPPORTING YOUR  CHILDREN

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UKRAINE - HELP SUPPORTING YOUR  CHILDREN

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How to talk to your teenager about the invasion of Ukraine

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Tips from a clinical psychologist on how you can talk to your teen about war and help them to manage any anxieties they might have.

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We know that children’s use of the internet can be concerning for both schools and parents and carers.  In this toolkit, we’re sharing a number ofresources for schools and parents and carers. There are lesson plans, interactive activities and advice to help start these important conversations about responsible internet use and mental health with children.

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Worried about a loved one?

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Struggling with an eating disorder? Caring for someone who is? Beat is here to support you.

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Supporting children and families through bereavement

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We help children, young people, parents, and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.

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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS, CARERS, CHILDREN

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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS, CARERS, CHILDREN

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A comprehensive list of resources and places you can go to for supporting mental health

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We have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and school and college staff can get the advice and help they need.

We have also added a new module to the   curriculum for   and   schools specifically designed to focus on mental health. This important addition will enable much-needed conversations about mental health to happen inside the classroom.

The list below is not exhaustive, and many other useful organisations and services exist, but it is hoped that these will help children, young people and adults navigate the key resources and get the support they deserve.
Seeking specialist support for children and young people
Local children and young people's mental health services (CYPMHS) are continuing to operate and in many cases are providing support remotely. Children and young people or their parents or carers can also contact their GP or refer to  NHS 111 online . Local CYPMH services will also have information on access on their websites: many offer self-referral or single points of access.

NHS trusts have established 24-hour urgent mental health helplines in most parts of England for people of all ages. If you have urgent concerns about a child or young person, you can find your local helpline  to discuss these with a mental health professional.

And remember to refer to your local children's services if you have any safeguarding concerns.

These resources are dedicated to children and young people 's general mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on mindfulness with developing coping skills in young people.

Student Space is here for students through coronavirus. However you're feeling, help and guidance is available. Explore a range of trusted information, services and tools to help you with the challenges of student life. You can use their search tool to find the services available at your university.

Sleepio is an online sleep improvement programme which is free for people living in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Thrive helps you prevent and manage stress, anxiety and related conditions.

Students Against Depression is a w ebsite offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.

Mentally Healthy Schools :  an anxiety thermometer as a wellbeing measurement tool.

NHS IAPT : free online NHS adult psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for common problems involving stress, anxiety and depression. IAPT services can be accessed either through a self-referral by contacting your   or via your GP.

Cruse Bereavement Care :  Coronavirus, Bereavement and Grief online information, advice and support. Helpline: 0808 808 1677 .

: *  Looking After Your Mental Health Resources aims to support everyone to feel more confident in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing by promoting a range of self-care actions.

For young people who feel particularly overwhelmed and troubled by Covid-19, these resources are helpful ways to manage anxiety around the pandemic, with helpful tools on homeschooling and self-care during lockdown.

The  Think Ninja  app educates 10-18-year-olds about mental health, emotional wellbeing and provide skills young people can use to build resilience and stay well. It has been adapted to Covid-19 to bring self-help knowledge and skills to those who may be experiencing increased anxiety and stress during the crisis.

The  Every Mind Matters  website aims to support everyone, including children and young people, to feel more confident in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing by promoting a range of self-care actions. It has been adapted to include advice and support about mental health issues that may have arisen because of the pandemic.

Keeping in mind that parents, carers and school staff can often be impacted by children's mental health, we have provided some select resources that can help adults better support children, and also find the help that they themselves might need.

Public Health England advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Resources for managing anxiety and improving wellbeing

Dealing with the effects of lockdown

Resources for building resilience

Mental Health at Work : Resources, Toolkits and Case Studies. Supporting Staff Wellbeing in Schools with a rich repository of information and easily accessible resources including videos and posters.

Sometimes, children need specific and targeted resources to help with problems they are facing. Below we have outlined some support available for particular issues, including loneliness, suicide prevention, eating disorders and domestic abuse.

DfE have published  factsheets for care leavers , setting out the support they can access during Covid-19, including one on their wellbeing and where to access support for their mental health.

Resources from  University of Bath  and the  'Tell Me about Loneliness' project provide advice and tips about how to tackle loneliness and are thoroughly rooted in evidence of young people's experiences during loneliness.

Helpline: 0808 801 0677

Youthline: 0808 801 0711

Studentline: 0808 801 0811

Operation Encompass   Teachers' Helpline staffed by educational psychologists, to support staff working with children and young people at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse (0204 513 9990, weekdays during term-time, 8-11am).

Children and young people can access free confidential support anytime from Government-backed voluntary and community sector organisations by:

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Mental health resources for children, students, parents, carers and school/college staff

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We have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and school and college staff can get the advice and help they need. We have also added a new module ...

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Use these quick pause meditations to relax in between activities, before bed etc to relax

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Calm in the Chaos Pack

1 min relaxations to help children feel safe calm and reassured in these unsettling times.

Use these quick pause meditations in between activities, before bedtime, during rest time or to calm emotional meltdowns.

Quick and simple to do.

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Calm in the Chaos Pack 1 min relaxations to help children feel safe calm and reassured in these unsettling times. Use these quick pause meditations in between activities, before bedtime, during rest time or to calm emotional meltdowns. Quick and simple to do.

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Encouraging children to journal and express emotions during these difficult times

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Lovely relaxing activities to reduce stress and create calm for your child.

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THIS LINK TAKES YOU TO A PAGE WHICH MAY CONTAIN PRE - COVID NHS ADVICE. PLEASE ENSURE YOU FOLLOW CURRENT GOVERNMENT COVID GUIDELINES Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

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Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
1. Connect with other people

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:

help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth

give you an opportunity to share positive experiences

provide emotional support and allow you to support others

There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

raising your self-esteem

helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them

causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood

Read about exercise guidelines and workouts to help improve your fitness and wellbeing

3. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem

helping you to build a sense of purpose

helping you to connect with others

Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.

Some of the things you could try include:

4. Give to others

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:

creating positive feelings and a sense of reward

giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth

helping you connect with other people

It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.

Some examples of the things you could try include:

saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you

asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer

spending time with friends or relatives who need support or company

offering to help someone you know with DIY or a work project

volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

Read more about mindfulness, including steps you can take to be more mindful in your everyday life.

Further information

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Read about 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

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Fantastic ideas from the NHS for all round wellbeing

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Make a change today! Discover healthy recipes, food swaps, nutritional advice, and top tips and activities to help the whole family stay healthy.

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Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. We've got parenting tips for all stages of your child's life, as well as advice on how to deal with difficult situations.

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Free, confidential counselling support for all children 24/7. Also has resources that support networks may find useful.  A brilliant place to direct children in distress to. A great place to point your children to.

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On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

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Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

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Guided meditation for children

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balloon meditation for kids - Bing video

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Balloon Guided Meditation for Kids Balloon Belly Meditation Kids Relaxation Meditation for Kids Balloon Meditations for Kids Worry Balloon Balloon Relaxing for Kids Beginner Meditation for Kids Kids Meditation Balloon Ride Balloon Breathing for Kids Balloon Breath for Kids Guided Meditation for Kids Hot Air Balloon Sleep Meditation for Kids

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Crisis support. Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call, email, write a letter or download the app. FREE

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Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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Positive psychology video for children, teachers, parents and schools. Some free videos to watch

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Brilliant Schools - Embedding wellbeing into your school

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Brilliant Schools is a new subscription service for schools, providing a series of high quality videos and activities for staff, pupils (primary & secondary) and parents. All focusing on developing wellbeing in your school.

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Great resources from Cath Hunter (Play therapist and author)

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A free online video resource introducing this easy to use and effective behaviour management tool that is used in all the schools I work with.

Video lasts 10 minutes. Watch video
Reflective language examples
A list of the reflective language examples discussed in my video for you to try. Download
Calm Boxes - A simple and effective tool for helping children manage anxiety
Have you got children in your class who are still finding it hard to settle or need some extra help? This free hand out and accompanying video introduces the idea of calm boxes as a resource for helping children feel safe and secure and develop self regulation. An excellent effective resource for the classroom but also useful in the home environment. Learn more
Supporting transition activity for 5-7 year olds
Transition in schools is a difficult time for children (and staff), and some children can feel anxious and scared which can impact on their behaviour, ability to build relationships with their new teacher and feel settled in their new class. This activity supports the transition process.
Download activity Understanding Differences Activity for 7-11 year olds
A short practical activity to help children understand and appreciate the differences between people in a positive way.
Download activity Read my blog
Regular advice and tips supporting the emotional care and management of behaviour of primary school children. Go to blog

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A free online video resource introducing this easy to use and effective behaviour management tool that is used in all the schools I work with. Video lasts 10 minutes. Watch video Reflective language examples A list of the reflective language examples discussed in my video for you to try.

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ANNA FREUD - Coronavirus anxiety toolkit

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ANNA FREUD - Coronavirus anxiety toolkit

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This toolkit includes resources for school staff, parents and carers and children to help manage anxiety and improve wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis.

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Free resources - the videos are particularly good

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Supporting children in their return to education. Therapeutic music support

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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ANNA FREUD - NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

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ANNA FREUD - NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

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Free advice , resources to support emotional wellbeing in children for parents and families

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Parents and Carers | Advice and Guidance | Anna Freud Centre

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Advice and guidance for parents and carers to help them support a child or a young person experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing.

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The past few months have been challenging, particularly for children and young people. With children now back at school, parents and carers may be looking for activities to try at home with their children after school or at the weekend.

We've pulled together a list of recommended resources for families from some of our trusted partner organisations.

Some of these ideas will help you start conversations with your child, keep them entertained and inspired, and encourage you to enjoy quality time together as a family. All of which are important for your wellbeing.

Please visit our Coronavirus: Updates page for our latest advice and guidance for parents, carers and schools on supporting children and young people's mental health.

News & blogs

A statement from Place2Be on the UK government's new mental health and wellbeing plan

Place2Be welcomes the chance to submit evidence to inform the Government's new 10-year plan to improve mental health.

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Schools white paper - a missed opportunity

Our Policy and Public Affairs Manager reflects on the government's recently published white paper on schools.

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A statement from Place2Be on the UK conversion therapy ban

Place2Be responds to the UK government's announcement that it will proceed with a legislative ban on conversion therapy.

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Coronavirus: wellbeing activity ideas for families

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With children now back at school, parents and carers may be looking for activities to try at home with their children after school or at the weekend. We've pulled together a list of recommended resources for families from some of our trusted partner organisations.

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A free website offering school staff, parents and carers, information, advice and practical resources to better understand and promote pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.

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Mentally Healthy Schools is a free website for primary schools, offering school staff, parents and carers, information, advice and practical resources to better understand and promote pupils' mental health and wellbeing.

The site is divided into five key sections:

Getting started:a starting point for school staff and leaders to gain a solid understanding of what mental health is and tips on how to begin promoting good mental health and wellbeing in their schools.

Resource library: access hundreds of quality-assured resources, including lesson plans, assembly ideas, classroom activities, and PSHE resources to support and assist in understanding, teaching and learning about general mental health and wellbeing.

Risks and protective factors: a look at the factors that can challenge and undermine a child's mental health, including bullying, social media, changes to family circumstances and more. This section includes information on how to identify pupils who may be at risk, and provides practical resources to help support pupils and build resilience.

Mental health needs: focuses on children who are struggling or who have a mental health problem. It helps schools understand the supportive role they can play and provides strategies - as well as tips and advice - on how they can help pupils.

Whole-school approach: helps school leaders develop strategies, policies and wider support across the whole school to promote pupil and staff mental health and wellbeing.

Mentally Healthy Schools is a legacy project of the Heads Together mental health campaign.

You don't need to be a mental health expert to use Mentally Healthy Schools.

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Mentally Healthy Schools is a free website for primary schools, offering school staff, parents and carers, information, advice and practical resources to better understand and promote pupils' mental health and wellbeing.

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BOOSTING YOUR CHILD'S CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM

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BOOSTING YOUR CHILD'S CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM

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Place2Be - free advice on improving your child's self esteem and confidence

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To mark the start of Anti-Bullying Week, one of our Regional Clinical Leads, Cecilia Corbetta, has shared her tips for parents on boosting children's confidence and self-esteem.
Every year, thousands of pupils book their own appointment to speak to Place2Be during lunch or breaktime (Place2Talk) and talk about things that are worrying them. One of the most common concerns is friendship problems.

We know that friendships are important to the children and young people we support, and that when friendships breakdown or children experience bullying, this can have a big impact on their wellbeing and self-esteem.

Watch the video above to hear Cecilia share her tips for boosting your child's confidence and self-esteem, or read the tips below.

Celebrate your child's strengths and differences

The world would be a pretty boring place if we were all the same. Help your child to recognise, and love, their own qualities and interests - this could be their hair colour, skin colour, religion, hobbies, sports they're good at... Notice and celebrate what makes them an individual and encourage them to see those positives and be a friend to themselves.

Have open conversations about feelings

Be a good role model and share your feelings openly with your child. This will show them that it's okay to talk about how they feel - whether they feel happy and excited, or worried and sad. If your child knows they can talk to you about anything they're feeling, they'll be more likely to come to you and ask for help if they're struggling.

Help your child to come up with their own ways to cope

As parents and carers, we often want to fix things for our children and do all we can to protect them from hurt or upset; but it's important we don't take over and we give our children a chance to deal with difficult situations on their own. Make it clear that you will step in if your help is needed (for example by talking to the school) or in circumstances where your child's safety is at risk, but empower your child to come up with their own ideas to cope with problems by asking them questions like 'how could you respond?', 'what do you think might help?'. If they can come up with their own coping strategies now, they'll be able to use them in future situations.

Let them experience their feelings fully

Every feeling is valid and it's so important we let our children feel all emotions. Try to avoid minimising their feelings ('I'm sure it's not that bad!') or rescuing by trying to instantly make them 'happy' or saying things like 'don't be sad'. Instead, talk to them about their sad feelings and tell them it's okay to be sad sometimes.

Make yourself available to listen

Sometimes your child may not want to talk, and it's important we don't force them to have a conversation they don't want to have. Make yourself available but don't pressure them to talk. You may find that your child opens up in situations where they feel less pressure - for example when you're in the car on the way home from school, or during the walk to school in the morning. Create rituals where you have a chance to regularly connect - for instance at mealtimes.

Worried your child is being bullied? Here are some resources we recommend:

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5 ways to boost your child's confidence and self-esteem - Place2Be

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To mark the start of Anti-Bullying Week, one of our Regional Clinical Leads, Cecilia Corbetta, has shared her tips for parents on boosting children's confidence and self-esteem. Every year, thousands of pupils book their own appointment to speak to Place2Be during lunch or breaktime (Place2Talk) and talk about things that are worrying them.

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Tools to help your child regulate their emotions

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ELSA support story and activities to help children returning to school

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Families in Mind is a service for the whole family to access together. They can work on building resilience as well as developing positive communication and coping strategies.

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Families in Mind is a service for the whole family to access together. They can work on building resilience as well as developing positive communication and coping strategies. The service is designed for families with low level issues such as:

Increased amount of conflict

Struggling to share emotions

Struggling to cope with difficult situations

The services Families in Mind can offer:
Family Appointment:
To access any of our Families in Mind services you will first need to attend a family appointment. This is a space for you and your family to explore what you have been struggling with recently and identify what you would like help with. Together with a practitioner your family can explore the different service options and choose the service best suited to you.
Family Solutions:
One family works with one practitioner for up to 8 weeks. The family and the practitioner work together to explore issues, set goals and identify strengths. These sessions can focus on areas such as; reducing conflict, communication skills, identifying family roles and increasing family strengths. Through discussion, activities and games the family will work together to make progress towards their goals.
Families Together:
A group course with multiple families for 8 weeks. This is a course designed for families struggling with communication, conflicts, emotional wellbeing and resilience. Families have the opportunity to work within their own family unit as well as working with other families who are struggling with similar issues. The course aims to help families improve relationships and wellbeing.
Parents Together and Children Together:
Group courses will also be available in the future for children and parents to access separately. The courses aim to work on family issues however will allow individuals an opportunity to explore issues without all family members present. The courses will be led by a practitioner, focussing on communication, conflicts and resilience and allowing group members to share experiences with their peers.

If you and your family would like to book an appointment you can call us on 0161 330 9223 or you can get in touch via email at .

We are running this service in:

Ashton (216-218 Katherine Street)

Glossop (Glossop Primary Care Centre)

Oldham (Positive Steps)

The appointments are at various times throughout the week so call us to find a suitable slot.

Nicola Harrison, Youth in Mind Director talked about the service:
'All too often adults and young people within a family are offered support separately, yet we know sharing experiences, supporting each other and having the opportunity to learn together is an integral part of improving wellbeing and quality of life for everyone. Our Families in Mind programme aims to support families together; to help them develop positive coping skills and build resilience, so individuals within a family and the family as a whole, are better able to cope with difficulties in life. The programme involves members of a family accessing support activities focussing on communication, dealing with conflict and team building. Individuals within the family are able to access our 1-1 interventions independently for addressing specific difficulties outside of the family unit too.'

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Families in Mind | Tameside Oldham and Glossop Mind

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Families in Mind is a service for the whole family to access together. They can work on building resilience as well as developing positive communication and coping strategies.