At Midsomer Norton Primary School we look after the emotional health and wellbeing of every child. We believe that school can help pupils build resilience and support them to be mentally healthy. Our Trust's postive mental health policy sets out how we do this.

We recognise there are the usual ups and downs of life but there may be times when your child is unhappy or struggling more emotionally . You may notice that they seem low or worried or that their behaviour changes. We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.

If you are worried about your child’s mental health then you are not alone. Many parents and carers have similar worries and stresses. There is good support available from local and national organisations. The sooner you seek help the better for your child and you.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

We have our own Learning Mentor, Catherine Josham. She supports children with mental health, wellbeing and behaviour needs four afternoons a week. She offers programmes such as Drawing & Talking, Sunshine Cirlces (friendships) and one to one mentoring.

 

Our school nurse Maria can support with health issues, including mental health. For referrals to our school nurse please speak to you child's teacher or to Ms Biss.

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

Please click here for Promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing in schools and colleges

Local services for children 

  • The School Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better.
  • Your GP A GP can check any physical symptoms linked to your child’s health and talk with you about their emotional well-being making a referral to a specialist service if necessary.
  • The School Nurse Parents/carers can contact the Bath and North East Somerset School Nurse Service for advice and support on a range of health issues.
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) A free NHS service that assesses and treats 0-18-year olds with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
  • Off the Record Counselling service for young people Websites that offer information and advice

The following organisations provide reliable information and advice to help parent/carers to support their child when experiencing emotional difficulties:-

Young Minds: Help for Parents Information about all aspects of child mental health, including a Parent Helpline 0800 802 5544.

You’re Never too Young to Talk Mental Health :leaflet for parent/carers of primary aged children.

Childline : Lots of information and tips for children of all ages about feelings and difficult situations.

Minded for Families: Free learning resource about mental health for parents and carers.

Happy Maps: Lots of information about health topics including mental health, organised under different age groups including pre-school and primary age.

Looking after your own mental health

In order to support your child, you need to stay strong and well yourself. It isn’t easy being a parent or carer especially when you are experiencing problems of your own such as relationship difficulties, money worries, problems with work. Often it helps to talk to someone, so don’t be scared about doing this, with friends, family, your GP or a support service. The following organisations can also offer information and advice to help you.

The Wellbeing College Directory and database of groups, activities and courses in the community that can support adult wellbeing.

Talking Therapies Accessed through G.P or self-referral.

MyScript - Social prescribing service Available to anyone registered with a GP in B&NES. This service provides support in finding specialist services and community groups to help individuals experiencing mental health and wellbeing issues to take control of their situation.

Bath Mind Tel: 01225 316199 https://www.bathmind.org.uk/

Samaritans Tel: free 116 123

NHS Choices: moodzone. Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing

CALM Campaign against living miserably

Agencies and services to support parents and carers in vulnerable situations

B&NES Directory of services: Wellbeing Options Links to a range of services supporting physical, social and emotional needs across the area.

1 Big Database links to a wide range of useful information for families including Ofsted registered childcare, parenting support, groups, clubs and events.

Rainbow Resource Signposts to organisations, services, support, activities and groups for children and young people aged 0-25 with additional needs.

Citizens Advice B&NES Independent charity that provides free, impartial advice and information on a range of issues including housing, employment and debt.

The information on this page has been provided by B&NES Council Public Health Team