Positive Mental Health and Well Being

'Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.’ (World Health Organisation).

 

At Newark Hill Academy, we believe that the development of positive Mental Health and Well-being of staff and pupils is essential in creating a happy and successful Academy community. We recognise that, alongside physical health, it is a crucial factor in looking after our mental health too.

Our role in Newark Hill Academy is to ensure that children are able to manage times of change and stress, and that they are supported to reach their potential or access help when they need it. Children are taught when to seek help, what help is available, and the likely outcome of seeking support so that they have the confidence and knowledge for themselves or others. As part of our targeted provision, we have and continue to access, outside help and support for pupils when required. Growth/positive mindset is part of the Academy and classroom ethos.

The Academy uses the ‘Jigsaw’ scheme to deliver PSHE teaching. One of its main aims is to promote  ‘the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the Academy and of society’.

(See PSHE page)

At our Academy, we promote a mentally healthy environment through:

• Promoting our Academy values and encouraging a sense of belonging
• Promoting pupil voice and opportunities to participate in decision-making
• Celebrating academic and non-academic achievements in order to promote self-esteem
• Providing opportunities to develop a sense of worth through taking responsibility for themselves and others
• Providing opportunities to reflect
• Access to appropriate support that meets their needs
• Helping children to understand their emotions and feelings better and to feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries
• Helping children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks 

By making our Academy mentally healthy, we strive to ensure a nurturing, welcoming and supportive environment, where all children can build on their potential, no matter their life experiences. By developing and implementing practical, relevant and effective mental health policies and procedures, we can promote a safe and stable environment for our pupils: those who are affected both directly and indirectly by mental ill health. We aim to provide a safe, healthy and fun place for all our community. We want to ensure we help children deal with their own mental health, support others who may be suffering from poor mental health, and understand what they can do in order to have a positive mind-set.

Over the next academic year, we will be looking at having several mental health champions from Years 4-6. They will receive specific training on becoming mental health champions/mentors and support pupils around the Academy that may need help.

What are mental health champions?

A team dedicated to the improvement of mental health and wellbeing throughout the Academy.

Our mental health champions will take part in workshops delivered by the One Goal. These workshops help children understand their own mental health, and they learn a variety of evidence-based approaches for staying mentally healthy and happy.

The children will learn about the five key skills and qualities of a great Mental Health Champion.

 Children will have a chance to apply for this role and will be screened using the One goal programme for mental health champions. We will be using the One goal programme to offer specific training for the selected champions.

Qualities for a good Mental Health Champion:

Friendly, kind, caring

Approachable

Responsible, sensible

Helpful

Resilient

Good listener (active listener)

Not judging others

Having a caring nature

Be prepared to help when they can

 

More information about our approach to mental health and wellbeing can be found in our whole Academy policy below.

 

Links to Outside Organisations Offering Support

• Childline
  Contact Childline online or call free on 0800 1111. Lots of help & advice on this website.

• Young Minds
  Champions young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Also:

• Anna Freud
  National Centre for Children & Families

• Anxiety UK
  Do you often feel anxious, fearful or stressed? You’re not alone

• Mind
  For better mental health

• Time To Change
  Tackles the stigma of mental health