Mental Health Awareness

At Highfield Middle School, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Our goal is to foster an environment where pupils, staff, and families feel supported and encouraged to take care of their mental well-being.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health refers to the way we think, feel, and act. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Just like our physical health, our mental health can change from time to time. It’s important to understand that everyone’s mental health can fluctuate, and seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Why Mental Health Matters

Mental health is essential to living a happy and balanced life. Students who are mentally healthy tend to perform better in school, build stronger relationships, and feel more confident in their ability to cope with challenges. Taking care of mental health supports better focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

Common Mental Health Challenges

Students may experience various mental health concerns, including:

  • Stress & Anxiety: Feelings of worry or unease, often linked to schoolwork, social situations, or future concerns.
  • Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities.
  • ADHD: Difficulty focusing or staying organized, leading to challenges in learning and completing tasks.
  • Bullying: Emotional harm caused by peers, which can deeply affect mental health and self-esteem.

How to Support Your Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health is a lifelong journey, and there are many ways to prioritize it:

  • Talk about it: Don’t hesitate to talk to a trusted friend, teacher, counselor, or family member if you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling.
  • Stay active: Physical exercise is a great way to improve mood and reduce stress.
  • Practice self-care: Engage in activities you enjoy, get enough rest, eat well, and take time to relax.
  • Set realistic goals: Break big tasks into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Be mindful: Practice techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing to stay calm in stressful situations.

 

What to do when your child needs help

 Occasionally a child will struggle with their mental health. You may find that they become more withdrawn, or more easily angry or upset. Some children are able to tell you how they feel, others show you with their actions. It is common for children to only display changes in behaviour at home as this is where they feel the most safe – they know that ‘acting out’ will not stop you from loving them!

If your child needs some help, please come and talk to us or go to your GP. We work in partnership with parents and mental health organisations to identify and access the correct support for your child.

If you are not ready to take this step, there are some resources below which may help, but please don’t ever feel reluctant to come and talk to us about your child’s emotional wellbeing. We are here to help.

 

How Highfield Middle School Can Help

Our school provides a range of mental health support services, including:

  • Mental Health First Aiders: We have several members of staff that are trained in recognising, supporting and addressing mental health needs.
  • Learning Mentor Services: Available for students who need a safe space to talk and receive guidance.
  • Peer Mentors: Some of our Year 8 pupils are trained to deliver programs and clubs that encourage open discussions about mental health and wellness.
  • Workshops & Resources: Sessions on stress management, emotional well-being, and coping skills.

Remember, it’s okay not to be okay sometimes, and seeking help is an important part of self-care. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or experiencing other mental health challenges, reach out to someone at our school. You’re not alone, and we are here to support you.

Pupil Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy

Parental Support:

Lots of informative, useful and practical resources can be found on Northumberland ‘BeYou’ padlet:

https://www.beyounorthumberland.nhs.uk/support/parents-carers-support

Also these websites have handy tips and support if you’re worried about a child:

NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/

NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/childrens-mental-health/

Barnardos: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/support-for-parents-and-carers/mental-health

 

Support for Young People: 

Young people can find support, advice and guidance on the following websites:

 

Kooth (age 11+) https://www.kooth.com/

YoungMinds https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

Childline https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/

Barnardos: https://mymentalhealth.barnardos.org.uk/?_gl=1*hqbcid*_gcl_au*MTUwODgxNTEyLjE3NDI0NzU1NDg.