Chipping Sodbury School

Chipping Sodbury School

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Mental Health Support

At Chipping Sodbury School students are taught through assemblies, tutor activities, 'Life' lessons and events such as 'Mental Health Awareness Week' the importance of looking after your own mental health.  Being worried or anxious about something is totally normal and can often be a positive way of helping us focus on solving a problem or achieving our goals.  However, negative patterns of thinking, feelings of helplessness, ongoing anxiety, low mood and stress, and sometimes physical symptoms such as stomach aches and panic attacks can all be early signs that a child may need support with their mental health.  The curriculum teaches students ways in which they can support their mental wellbeing through the five approaches below:

For more information go to: 5 Ways to Wellbeing | Mind.

 

Accessing support in school

Students are encouraged to reach out for support via their tutor, teachers, Student Support Team, PPL or any other trusted adult.  We have access to a highly experienced team of professionals who can support students with their mental health.  If you would like to discuss what support might be best for your child's mental health please contact the Student Support Team via safeguarding@chippingsodburyschool.com.  Alternatively, students can visit the Student Support Hub at break and lunch time for help and support.

 

Signposting support

In the first instance we signpost support services to parents and carers which include:

 

Early Help

If we become aware of a concern we can arrange for a student to have a wellbeing check in with a member of our Student Support Team.  This is a safe space for the student to share and explore their worries and plan appropriate next steps.  If a student is self-harming we can work with the students and parents/carers to make a safety plan and agree further support.

If a student is presenting with early signs of low mood or anxiety we can make a referral to the School Health Nurse (click here for the School Nurse website page) or an in-house Emotional Literacy Support Assistant to explore support with their emotional wellbeing.

 

Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) support

The next tier of support we can consider is a referral to our Education Mental Health Practitioner who is trained by the Mental Health Support Team.  The focus is on students developing self-help strategies using a Low Intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy approach.  The image below is a guide to what the EMHP can and cannot support with.

 

Counselling

Students who are really struggling with their mental health and may be experiencing symptoms such as depression, chronic anxiety, suicide ideation or have lived with/are living with trauma are likely to benefit from seeing one of our in-house school counsellors.  Trish and Susan work together to provide five days a week counselling support for our students.  A referral can be made by a member of staff, the student or parent/carer.  Students cannot access counselling in school if they have any other therapy outside of school.

There is a waiting list for both counsellors and we provide updates each term as to when an appointment is likely to be available.  Students may have an initial introduction in the form of an ad-hoc appointment before a regular slot starts. Counselling appointments can be weekly or fortnightly and usually last for 6-8 sessions.

If you would like to discuss if counselling may be appropriate please contact the Student Support Team via safeguarding@chippingsodburyschool.com.

 

Out of hours support

The CAMHS Mental Health 24/7 Response Line is a dedicated telephone line for anyone who may be worried about their own or someone else's mental health.  The telephone line offers out-of-hours care for people and children in crisis 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.  If you or your loved one feels unsafe, at risk or unable to cope without professional advice, our dedicated staff will ensure that you are directed to the team best able to meet your needs.  The number to call is 0800 9539599. 

Parents/carers can also telephone CAMHS duty during Monday-Friday 9am-5pm for advice/support if mental health changes:  01454 862431.  Please always keep your GP updated with any changes.  

Bristol Children’s Hospital also have a CAMHS team in the A&E department.  If you are very concerned for your child’s mental well-being, or feel they may come to significant harm (through their own actions) please take them there.  

If there is an immediate risk of harm to self or to others then to contact emergency services 999 at all times.