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Mental Health
Keeping Mentally Healthy
Everyone has mental health, and it is completely normal to have a ‘down’ or ‘bad’ day. If this feeling is lasting for a prolonged time, then you may need to seek support.
It is important at all times, including when there is a change to your daily routine to look after your mental health. If you’re feeling low or stuck there is lots of self-help you can engage with:
- Exercising, being in nature and natural light releases dopamine and serotine (the happy hormone) so playing a sport outdoors or going for a walk can help boost your mood.
- Eating regular, healthy meals is important for keeping our bodies healthy and maintaining healthy brain functioning, when you eat better you feel better.
- Regular sleeping pattern, our brains don’t function as well when we are tired, making everyday challenges harder to overcome or think of simple solutions.
- Talking – talking therapy is one of the first strategies professionals will recommend, start by talking to a trusted person (friend, family member or someone at school) about the things bothering you, pick someone who has a positive outlook or always looks for a solution.
- Journaling/well-being action plans – writing down your thoughts and feelings to acknowledge what is bothering you and strategies to overcome those issues. It’s also important to note down all the things you’re grateful for and self-care techniques that make you feel better, i.e. having a bath, listening to music, reading and/or sports.
Some useful templates below;
Wellbeing Action Plan (young person) | Charlie Waller Trust
Reading leaflets/booklets, highlighting areas that apply to you and implement strategies suggested;
Microsoft Word - Mental wellbeing (2020) - Word version.docx (mind.org.uk)
Resources and Services
Positive Mental Health Habits
Signposting and support
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School |
As a school we will support with emotional wellbeing, promote mental health, and can signpost you to appropriate services. |
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The first key person in school to contact for support is: the Form Tutor/Assistant Head of Year/Head of Year. |
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The mental health lead in school is: Emma Piddock (Deputy Mental Health Lead) and Gregory Caines (Senior Mental Health Lead). |
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GP and NHS |
You are advised to consult the GP in relation to any concerns about mental health so they can offer medical assessment and help. You can also seek information and advice by calling 111 as well as by accessing the NHS website. |
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Online Counselling |
Kooth provide online counselling support and advice and offer a free service to young people aged 11- 25 in Birmingham. https://www.kooth.com/ The Mix also offer counselling through completing their booking form Counselling | The Mix and have a text service for urgent mental health support 85258 |
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Forward Thinking & PAUSE |
In Birmingham, Forward Thinking Birmingham (FTB) is the city’s mental health partnership for children and young people from 0-25 years old. There is information on their website about: mental health and specific conditions; the drop-in service delivered by Pause; community-based counselling, therapy, and support services; as well as the specialist mental health teams and crisis services. You can also seek advice from Forward Thinking Birmingham by calling 0300 300 0099 or make a self-referral to them online for support in relation to mental health. Self-referral - Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust |
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Get urgent help |
In the event of a crisis, you can contact FTB on 0300 300 0099 or attend local Accident and Emergency services. Where there is immediate danger or risk to life, call 999. |
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Other sources of help and information |
Childline - 0800 1111 https://www.childline.org.uk |
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Text “Shout” to 85258 https://giveusashout.org/ |
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Samaritans - 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/ |
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Young Minds - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/ |
Mrs Piddock offers a drop-in session every morning where students can seek support without an appointment;
Please also see further support from external services in the tabs below.
Edwards Trust
We work closely with Edwards Trust and they are a great non-funded organisation. They provide free, specialist bereavement support through counselling, well-being therapies, and support groups for not only young people but parents and families too.
https://edwardstrust.org.uk/â
Pause
PAUSE offer face-to-face drop-in appointments at numerous locations in Birmingham, please see below how to access their services;
The Waiting Room
Lots of resources produced by Birmingham and Solihull health and wellbeing services.
Childline
A range of breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help you feel calmer.
Action for Happiness
Access ‘The Coping Calendar’ for strategies to look after ourselves and others during a crisis.
NHS
The NHS website provides lots of advice relating to mental health and mindfulness.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mindfulness/
