The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 9:9
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Mental Health and Wellbeing
Many children and young people experience anxiety, stress and low mood during their life. This is a normal part of growing up and can have little extended impact on their lives. However, this may become more of a problem if these conditions start to impact on their learning and progress, school attendance and ability to form healthy friendships.
At Derby Cathedral School, our pastoral system ensures our students receive the relevant support and guidance they need. This may be from their Form Tutor, Head of Year, Pastoral Year Lead or a member of the Safeguarding team. Your child may be signposted to more specialist services in school such as a Learning Mentor for further support. These may be in the form of one to one sessions or group interventions using a cognitive behaviour therapy approach.
If it is felt that professional external mental health support may be required, Derby Cathedral School will contact you. We have external counsellors in school daily, who are available for our students. Parents or staff can refer students via our Pastoral Support Officers or Heads of Year and students can also self-refer.
If you are worried about your child’s mental health or wellbeing, you should ALWAYS contact your GP as soon as possible. They can make referrals to appropriate agencies and access support in a more efficient way than school staff.
In school, the following staff can help with mental health concerns:
Heads of Year
Pastoral Year Leads
Safeguarding Team members
If you feel your child’s mental health is at crisis point or they pose a risk to themselves or others, you must go to A&E immediately.
If you are struggling with your mental health and wellbeing there is an abundance of help and advice available to you. You may find the following organisations useful:
ChatHealth: This is a confidential texting service for young people aged 11-19. It is safe and easy for you to speak to a qualified health professional. Just send a text message; you do not have to give your name. It is part of the Derbyshire NHS Foundation Trust, which serves Derby City Children’s Services. You will receive a response within 24 hours - 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) Tel: 07507 327 104 https://chathealth.nhs.uk/
| Childhood Bereavement Network | http://www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/ |
| Childline | www.childline.org.uk Freephone 24h helpline 0800 1111 |
| Cruse Bereavement Care | https://www.cruse.org.uk/ 0808 808 1677 |
| Kooth | www.kooth.com Free, safe and anonymous on-line support for young people. |
| Qwell | www.qwell.10/ to sign up. Free, safe and confidential for parents of children under 18 years old who reside in Derby and Derbyshire. |
| Samaritans | www.samaritans.org Freephone (UK and Republic of Ireland): 0800 1111 |
| Shout | Free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis https://www.giveusashout.org/ Text 85258 |
| Anna Freud Centre | www.annafreud.org National Centre for Children & Families Mental Health |
| Young Minds | www.youngminds.org.uk |
| Teen Mental Health - A Guide for Parents |
https://www.mytutor.co.uk/blog/parents/teen-mental-health-a-guide-for-parents/
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We have also developed some Parent Information Leaflets "Safeguarding and Well-being" and also "Celebrating Diversity" which you may find useful.
Emotional Health and Wellbeing Website:
The new Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing website has been set up to support the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, parents/ carers and professionals in Derby and Derbyshire. On the website, you can find a range of information including local and national support, training and resources. https://derbyandderbyshireemotionalhealthandwellbeing.uk/