Mental Health

Whatever the difficulty that you are experiencing, you are not alone. There are many ways in which we can help you, both inside the school, and outside the school. Whatever it is that is bothering you, please find someone you can talk to. Talking to someone, you can trust is the first step towards making things better. Please do not suffer in silence.

At Atherton High School, you have access to many members of staff, ranging from your form tutor to Senior Leadership. It is important that if you are struggling, worried and just not feeling yourself that you find a member of staff that you feel you can trust and confide in. All staff at Atherton High School are here to help, and support you so that you are able to grow, and develop.

There is also plenty of help and support available outside of school. We would always signpost you to some of these websites and support agencies so that you are able to access support whenever you need it.

Health and wellbeing, including mental wellbeing are integral elements of our PSHE curriculum, from Year 7 to Year 11.

This is the Wigan CAMHS Mental Health Support Team (MHST)

Our school is part of a cluster of schools in Wigan who are supported by the MHST.  The MHST work with our designated Mental Health Lead to provide 3 functions:

  • deliver evidence-based interventions for mild-to-moderate mental health issues
  • support the senior mental health lead (where established) in each school or college to introduce or develop their whole school or college approach
  • give timely advice to school and college staff, and liaise with external specialist services to help children and young people to get the right support and stay in education

To find out more about how the MHST might be able to support your child, please see the MHST guide for parents.

 

 

 

 

Websites For Support

Kooth
Online counselling and support service. www.kooth.com

Speepio
Website that helps with sleeping issues. www.speepio.com

Young Minds
Advice and resources to support with mental health in young people. www.youngminds.org.uk

Childline
Help and advice on a wide range of issues. 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk

Samaritans
Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope. www.samaritans.org.uk

Rise Above
Rise Above aims to build emotional resilience in individuals aged 11 to 16 by equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to make informed decisions, and help deal with the pressures of growing up. It tackles topics that young people are most concerned about, such as puberty, relationships, alcohol, self-harm, smoking, contraceptive choices, drugs, body confidence, peer pressure and mental health. www.riseabove.org.uk

Kidscape
Practical advice on bullying and staying safe. www.kidscape.org.uk

TheSite.org
TheSite.org is owned and run by YouthNet UK, a registered charity and is aimed at young adults. It covers a range of issues including drugs and alcohol, sexual health and relationships, health and wellbeing and money matters. www.thesite.org.uk

“From seeing the head teacher playing football with the children on the yard, to staff sitting with pupils at lunchtime, everyone works together and there’s a strong feeling of belonging to part of something bigger than just a school”

Mrs Doyle