What is Mental Health?

“We all have mental health. Your mental health affects how you feel, think and act. It refers to your emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. Your mental health can change on a daily basis and over time, and can be affected by a range of factors.”

 At Lodge Farm Primary School we are committed to promoting and supporting the positive mental health and emotional wellbeing of our whole school community.  We believe that mental health and wellbeing underpins the heart of education.  

Mental Health in Children

The Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2020 report, published today, reveals that the proportion of children who are experiencing mental health difficulties has increased over the past three years, from 1 in 9 in 2017, to 1 in 6 as of July 2021. On average, there are 5 children in each classroom and the increase was evident in both boys and girls.

The NHS Talking Therapies Service offers free and confidential talking therapy and practical support for Hertfordshire and Mid-Essex residents experiencing a wide range of mental health problems such as worry, low mood, insomnia and stress.

Hertfordshire CYPMHS Service Directory Oct 2023.pdf

Useful information for Parents around Mental Health & Wellbeing

Helplines and websites:

If you are worried about your child or think that you need advice from professionals, there are a range of local and national services across the UK and Hertfordshire.

• Your local GP

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) - 0800 6444 101 - https://www.hpftcamhs.nhs.uk/ 

• Mind – 020 3727 3600 – www.hertsmindnetwork.org

• Samaritans – 116 123 – www.samaritans.org

• ChildLine - 0800 1111 – www.childline.org

• Shout - text the word 'SHOUT' to 85258 - https://giveusashout.org/

• Young Minds – 0808 802 5544 – www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us

• Winston's Wish - the UK’s childhood bereavement charity. www.winstonswish.org/Contact line

• Bereavement help.  https://stand-by-me.org.uk/  Parents can access this for help in talking to their children.

• NESSie- Positive Mental Health https://nessieined.com Access to art therapies 

 

Family Support

• Supporting Your Child's Journey

We understand that school life can sometimes be challenging. As your child's partner in education, we want to ensure they have the best possible experience.

• Open Communication is Key

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if there are any changes at home that might affect your child's mood or behaviour. We're here to listen and offer support. Similarly, if you're facing personal challenges, please know that we're available to help or connect you with those who can.

• Support Resources

Whether it's behavioural concerns, financial difficulties, bereavement, or other personal matters, we're committed to providing the support you and your child need. Here are some external resources that may be helpful:

Hertfordshire’s Family Support Service is part of the Family Centre Service. They help families from pregnancy through to the end of primary school (aged 11 years).

https://www.hertsfamilycentres.org/family-centres.aspx

School Nurse 

If you have any health concerns and would like to make a referral to the school nurse, please see the link below:

https://www.hct.nhs.uk/service-details/service/school-nursing-56