Ashton Vale Primary School takes the emotional health and wellbeing of every child seriously.  We believe that the school can help pupils build resilience and support them to be mentally healthy.

We all have ups and downs in life but in childhood it can be particularly hard to cope with sad feelings and worries that arise when things are hard or scary. 

There may be times when your child is unhappy or struggling 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 We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.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.

The leaflet: Mental health problems in children and young people: guidance for parents and carers provides some useful tips for helping your child plus links to local and national services.

Local services for children & young people

• The School – Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better.  In the first instance talk to your child’s class teacher who will pass this information on to Mrs Garbutt (Senior Mental Health Lead).
• 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 School 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.

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 B&NES community that can support. adult wellbeing.

Talking Therapies – Accessed through G.P or self-referral for those aged 16 and above living in B&NES

mind Wiltshire – An independent charity supporting people in Wiltshire who are experiencing mental health problems or emotional distress

Samaritans – Telephone for free confidential listening service 116 123

NHS Choices: moodzone – Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression.

CALM Campaign against living miserably – Information and help around mental health particularly focussing on men