Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
As a school we recognise and have to manage an increased amount of issues presenting themselves from students that fall within the umbrella of poor mental health. It is important for the whole-school community to feel comfortable when discussing these worries and treat them with the same level of care and compassion as any other illness, without prejudice and without a stigma being attached.
Here at Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form we are extremely proud to have over 10 Youth Mental Health First Aiders and Youth Mental Health Champions. In addition to the support given to students by tutors, Pastoral Managers, Raising Standards Leaders, counsellors, external agencies and in-school mentors, there are members of school staff who all undertook a training course over the summer term, delivered by Mental Health First Aid England. These staff members undertook the training with a view to being able to support any student who feels they need it; this can be done either by a one-to-one conversation in school or by simply signposting a student to a website or giving them some useful written literature to take away.
Essex Young Carers
As a school we work with Essex Young Carers and they provide excellent support for some of our students.
Young carers are children and young people under 18 years old who provide regular and on-going care to another person who is physically or mentally ill, disabled or misuses substances. Many young people don’t see themselves as carers and may not realise there is practical and emotional support available in Essex so please do speak to us if you think you would benefit from this support.
The service offers a range of support strategies including:
- Confidential one-to-one support with a dedicated key worker in the area you live, including telephone support.
- Information, advice and guidance and assisting young carers to access other services to support them as a young carer.
- Training opportunities e.g. moving people safely, building confidence and self-esteem, fire safety and access to counselling services if needed.
- Recreational activities to take them away from their caring role and meet other young carers and make new friends.
- Transition to adult carer services as they reach the age of 18.
School Nursing Service
We have a specialist community public health nurse who supports the school nursing team and will see a young person at a drop in or on a one to one basis.
Virgin Care, in partnership with Barnardo’s, provide the Child and Family Wellbeing Service in Essex. They have a fully trained, skilled and experienced multi-disciplinary team, including school nurses and family support staff who serve this school and the surrounding community. Students and families in Braintree will see the appropriate professional/s to meet their individual needs whether that be within the school environment or at home. They offer students a confidential service with drop in sessions both in and out of schools where young people can access support and discuss any worries they have. They do not discuss the conversations they have with the school, parents/carers or other agencies without the agreement of the young person, unless they have told them something that makes them concerned for their safety.
They aim to work closely with schools and parents/carers to promote the health and wellbeing of all children and young people to enable them to reach their full potential and can be contacted at the Family Hub, Carousel Children’s Centre, Chapel Hill, Braintree, telephone 01376 556863.
Farleigh Hospice and Yo-Yo Project
The Yo-Yo Project is a Farleigh Hospice service which supports children and young people who are facing a loss or have been bereaved. They welcome referrals for children and young people from the age of 4 to 18. They have a team of trained counsellors and social worker who mostly work with children on a one to one basis. They are a community service that covers the whole of the mid-Essex area.