Support and Wellbeing
This page aims to provide general information about where to seek help and support, whether you are a student, a parent or carer, a member of staff, a governor, or indeed anyone in our school community. At Loxwood, we are committed to nurturing the wellbeing of all our members, focusing on both physical and emotional health. We strive to promote positive practices for boosting healthy lifestyles, while recognising that everyone may require support at various points in their lives.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to dismantling the stigma associated with mental or emotional ill-health. Just as our physical health can fluctuate, so too can our moods and emotions. There may be times when these changes feel overwhelming, and in such circumstances, it is essential to seek external support. Together, we can foster an environment where well-being is prioritised, and help is readily available.
If you are experiencing difficulties and require immediate support, please follow the guidance outlined below:
Students: If you feel the need to discuss your concerns urgently, please inform an adult within your class or approach Mrs Green, who is available to assist you or complete a self-referral form.
Staff: For staff members seeking support, we encourage you to contact 'Time to Talk' on 01444 251084. This service is available weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm, providing a safe space for you to discuss your worries.
Parents/Carers: If you have concerns regarding your child's wellbeing, we advise you to first contact your child's teacher. In more serious circumstances, please reach out to Miss Price or Mrs Mellors for further assistance.
Anger
Anger is a normal human experience but sometimes children or young people may feel that they need extra advice or support to understand their anger.
Mind - Webinars for parents and carers to support their young person's mental health. Topics include attachment, aggressive behaviours and emotionally based school avoidance.
Thriving in Education - WSCC website with advice and how to get help along with some recommended reading.
Young Minds - Strategies to help families respond to anger and advice about where you can find support.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Anxiety, fears and worries are a normal part of life experienced by everyone. Some children and young people may find that their anxious feelings and worries are stopping them from enjoying life and they may benefit from advice or help.
NHS Anxiety in Children - This is a reliable source of information about anxiety disorders in children and teenagers.
Anxiety UK - Resources to help children and young people with anxiety.
Anxiety UK - Contains a page specifically for families in helping your child.
The best books to help children with anxiety are reassuring and approachable and give children ideas and practical strategies for managing their worries. Here are some recommended ones.
Bereavement
Losing someone or something we love or going through bereavement, can be a painful experience. Grief is our natural response to loss.
Grief Encounter - Grief encounter is one of the UK's leading bereaved child charities, providing free, pioneering services and support to bereaved children, young people and their families.
HopeAgain- HopeAgain is a youth website of Cruse Bereavement Care, a national charity providing support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone close to them dies.
Winston's Wish - Winston's Wish is a charity that supports bereaved children, young people, their families and the professionals who support them.
Here is a link to a range or helpful and practical resources, information and specialist publications for families and professionals supporting grieving children.
Using stories and activities can be a really good way to explore issues with a child who has been bereaved. Winston's Wish has created a 'suggested reading list' of books which they have found helpful when working with bereaved children, young people and their families.
Divorce and Separation
It can be hard for children when their parents spilt up - and every child reacts in their own way but there are things we can do to help your child adjust to the changes in your family.
Gingerbread - A charity for single parent families that provides advice, support and an online forum.
NACC - Links for parents and family members to websites and other resources.
NSPCC - A useful guide to how to support children during a separation and find out what the law says about parental rights.
Youngminds - Information and advice to support your family including top tips for telling your children, looking after their well-being and taking care of yourself.
Books can provide a great escape while also providing comfort and clarity. This is especially true for children who are going through the turmoil of family change and their parents' divorce or separation. Here is a list of books to help children understand divorce or separation.
School Anxiety and Refusal
It's normal for children and young people to feel worried about something that's happening at school - for example, when starting a new school or during exams. Sometimes, however, school can become challenging, stressful or distressing over a much longer period of time. If you are in this situation, here are some links to advice and support.
BBC Bitesize - Parents' Toolkit to support school anxiety and avoidance.
Young Minds - advice on supporting your child and working with the school and other services.
