Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood.
Our mental health can change over time, depending on many factors. When the demands placed on us exceed our resources and coping abilities, our mental health can be impacted. For example, if you are working long hours, caring for a relative, or experiencing economic hardship, we may experience poor mental health. Children’s mental health can also be impacted for a variety of reasons, for example, bereavement, separation, new experiences.
Research shows that there are steps we can take to improve our mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help us feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
· Connecting with each other and building good relationships
· Being physically active
· Learning new skills to build self-confidence and raise self-esteem
· Giving to others- act of kindness and giving
· Mindfulness, taking care of yourself and allowing yourself to do things you enjoy
Seeking help is often the first step towards getting and staying well, but it can be hard to know how to start or where to turn to. It's common to feel unsure, and to wonder whether you should try to handle things on your own. But it's always ok to ask for help. There are lots of options for support out there, although you might find some are more suitable for you, or more easily available. There's no wrong order to try things in – different things work for different people at different times.
Below is a list of links of some organisations that that may be able to provide help, support and resources for you and your families. Please remember you can also speak to Helen Walsh hwalsh@norcot.reading.sch.uk 07483 416872our Safeguarding and Wellbeing Lead, who can be a listening ear or support you and signpost you to other services.
· Looking after a child’s or young person’s mental health
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/childrens-mental-health/
· Information on Mental health services
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/
· Support for parents and young people’s mental health https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
· Mental health information and advice
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
· Recognising children’s mental health
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/
· Information about parenting with mental health problems https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/mental-health-parenting/
· Parenting with a mental health problem
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/
· Information and support for people with or supporting someone with a mental health problem
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
· Hub of hope-mental health support in the postcode where you are (this can be downloaded as an app on your phone)