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MENTAL HEALTH AT AVONDALE

At Avondale Preparatory School, we take the emotional health and wellbeing of our Pupils and Staff seriously.  We strive to ensure that all of our Community have the opportunity to fulfil their full potential and are enabled to enjoy a happy, caring, secure environment.  As a Staff, we are committed to supporting our pupils’ physical and mental health needs, throughout their journey with us.

We are all incredibly proud that we know each of our pupils as individuals. As a staff we have regular on-line training, covering a host of health and safety issues.

Mental health is pivotal to our happy and inclusive Community and from the very start of each Individual’s journey, they are encouraged to consider their own well-being, build their resilience, self-belief and confidence, in all areas of the setting.

Life can throw us a ‘curve ball’ at any time and there can be many ‘ups and downs’ along the way. There are times when a child is unhappy or struggling emotionally and this can be for many reasons.  These may include bereavement, separation anxiety, age-related difficulties, low self-esteem, friendship issues, to name but a few.

If any Parent or Pupil has any concern, no matter how big or small you may think it is, please rest assured, once we are aware of the situation, we will handle this matter with the utmost sensitivity and provide help, wherever we can.

In Wiltshire, there are several resources available to support primary school children experiencing mental health concerns:

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): CAMHS offers support for children and young people with emotional well-being difficulties or persistent behavioural problems. Services range from mental health promotion and early intervention to specialist care for more severe disorders. Referrals can be made by professionals such as GPs, school nurses, or social workers.

https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/camhs/wilts/

Wiltshire Children and Young People Wellbeing Service: This service provides early mental health and well-being support, including advice, information, therapeutic activities, and counselling. It aims to assist children and young people in avoiding crisis points.

healthwatchwiltshire.co.uk

24/7 Mental Health Helpline: A round-the-clock helpline is available for children, young people, and carers in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire. Mental health experts offer advice, guidance, and support over the phone. In life-threatening situations, it's essential to call emergency services at 999.

healthwatchwiltshire.co.uk

NSPCC Resources: The NSPCC provides guidance on recognising and responding to child mental health issues. They offer resources to help adults support children experiencing mental health challenges.

learning.nspcc.org.uk

Access Community Mental Health (Wiltshire): This service offers a strengths-based recovery and peer support program, including tailored plans, community connection assistance, and a trained staff team. A seven-day-a-week telephone helpline is also available.

rethink.org

Wiltshire SENDIASS: A free, impartial, and confidential service providing information, advice, and support for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their parents or carers. They assist with navigating education, health, and care processes.

family-action.org.uk

For immediate concerns, contacting your child's GP, school health nurse, or the 24/7 mental health helpline can provide timely support and guidance.