Our Mission Statement

We believe having a mentally healthy community is not about being happy all the time, but about working together through the challenges and sharing the celebrations; feeling supported, heard, accepted, valued and empowered.

What we believe Mental Health and Wellbeing looks like for the School Community at St Mary's Primary

• St Mary's community is responsive and flexible to everybody’s needs.
• We feel safe and are able to express how we feel without feeling judged. We acknowledge that a ‘voice’ comes in many forms, not just spoken and we seek to understand each other.
• We are able to seek help and receive and use strategies when feeling and dealing with difficult emotions.
• We know there is a spectrum of emotions and mental health, and that this can change at different times and situations.
• We acknowledge that mental health and wellbeing is a shared experience: Sometimes we are the ones who need shelter and at other times we are the ones holding the umbrella.

Acknowledging our work to support Mental Health 

We currently have a childrne' wellbeing group set up within school that actively promotes positive mental health and wellbeing. The groups talks about what good mental health looks like and develops things across the school to help everyone. Examples of this is a whole school wellbeing day, where each class had an activity set up to promote relaxation and wellbeing, such as massage, yoga and group talking sessions. 

We are also a thrive school, where staff are trained to look out for issues surrounding mental health and wellbeing and put in intervention if needed. Each class has the zones of regulation embedded, where each day, children can show which zone they are in. If children identify they are in the 'blue' or 'red' zone, staff have to support children with these emotions and put in support to ensure they can achieve a more settled 'green' zone. 

Other interventions that we are able to offer within our school provision is:

• ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support) - 1:1/ Small group work that focuses on targeted work based on the child's emotional needs.
• Forest school - small groups to support social skills and communication
• Speech and Language intervention - Targeted work to improve Social skills and communication
• On site family practitioner (Tuesdays) - specialises in work with children and families who need additional support with home life, behaviour, finances and supporting families working with external agencies. 

We take part in special events throughout the year that promote a positive mental health and attitude. These events are not only fun and interactive but allow children to build vital life skills. Some examples of these are:

• Rock Kidz - Support mental health through music.
• Mental Health week activities
• EARA discussions to promote celebrating difference
• Maths challenges - Taking part in workshops with other schools to promote teamwork and cooperation. 
• STEM challenges - promoting curiosity and social interaction. 
• Weekly PSHE lessons that promote discussion around feelings, relationships and keeping safe. 

Mental Health Crisis Support - how to get help

If you feel things are getting more serious and you need urgent, specialist help, then there are organisations that you can get in touch with to talk about how you are feeling.  They can then help direct you to the right support. It's important to know that support is available, even if services seem busy at the moment.

Community Mental Health Safe Haven (for adults)

If you are aged 18 or over, you can call the Community Mental Health Safe Haven where trained professionals can discuss your mental health concerns and provide you with some help. 

Telephone: 01983 520168 or by email: safehaven@twosaints.org.uk This service operates Monday to Friday between 5pm-10pm and 10am-10pm (weekends and bank holidays)

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Crisis Line for Young People

If you are aged between 11-17 years old and live either on the Isle of Wight, you can call a dedicated freephone crisis line on 0300 303 1590 (Monday-Thursday 3pm-8.30pm) for immediate access to help, support or advice if you are experiencing difficulties with your mental health.

Access to psychiatric crisis support

If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse or if you are worried about someone you know, then access to all mental health services on the Island is provided through the Single Point of Access Service which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The specialist assessment team can be contacted on 01983 522214.

Samaritans

If you are experiencing distress or despair or having suicidal thoughts, you can also talk to the Samaritans on their confidential, free helpline, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, every day of the year Tel: 116 123. You can call for free on 116 123 or you can email them jo@samaritans.org (note a response to an email may take up to 24hrs).

If you are under 35 and having similar feelings, call Papyrus's HopelineUK from 9am to 10pm weekdays and 2pm to 10pm on weekends. Call HopelineUK on 0800 068 41 41 or Text 07786 209697.

Shout also offers confidential 24/7 crisis text support for times when you need immediate assistance. Text "SHOUT" to 85258 or visit Shout Crisis Text Line

For support on specific mental health needs:

Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk  OCD UK www.ocduk.org  

Depression Alliance www.depressoinalliance.org  

Eating Disorders www.b-eat.co.uk and www.inourhands.com  

National Self-Harm Network www.nshn.co.uk  

Self-Harm www.selfharm.co.uk

Suicidal thoughts Prevention of young suicide UK – PAPYRUS: www.papyrus-uk.org

www.youngminds.org.uk champions young people’s mental health and wellbeing  www.mind.org.uk advice and support on mental health problems www.minded.org.uk (e-learning) www.time-to-change.org.uk tackles the stigma of mental health  www.rethink.org challenges attitudes towards mental health

Childline Telephone Number - 0800 1111

Please use the useful links below to access further information and support for families: