You Are Not Alone

Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. Everyone experiences challenges from time to time, and it’s okay to ask for help. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed with school, struggling with friendships, or just feeling low, support is available.

Support Available in School

We understand that sometimes you need someone to talk to. In school, we offer:

• Mentoring – A supportive space to talk through worries and set goals. Mentoring is provided by Mrs Hart, as well as other members of staff.

• Youth Worker Support - Our Health Service in School (HSIS) Youth Worker, Leila, provides our pupils with an opportunity to access confidential support on any issues which may be affecting them. You can find her in the Pastoral Hub every Wednesday Lunchtime, go and say hello.

• Counselling – Professional one-to-one support to help you navigate difficulties. Counselling is provided by Brooks Counselling.

• Check-Ins - A regular opportunity to talk to a trusted member of staff about any concerns you have.

If you would like to access any of these services, speak to your Head of Year.

Support Outside of School

Whilst we offer some support in school, a lot of mental health support comes from outside organisations that specialise in helping young people. Here are some services that can help:

• 🔗Kooth (now known as Soluna) – Free, anonymous online counselling and mental health support.

• 🔗MyMind – NHS support for young people’s mental health in Cheshire and Wirral. You can self-refer to CYPMHS (formerly known as CAMHS) by clicking here. You will need parent/guardian consent.

• 🔗Branch Wirral – Local support for young people facing mental health challenges - this is a new website that helps direct you to the most relevant service - you just need to fill out a questionnaire.

• 🔗Anna Freud Centre – A national centre for mental health support and advice.

There are a number of drop-in services in Wirral that you can go along to for mental health and wellbeing support.

• The Drop-In is based at Pilgrim Street Arts Centre, 1 Pilgrim Street, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 5EH, and is open from 2pm-6pm Mon-Fri, staff are able to support you directly and signpost you to appropriate organisations/support services.

What Can You Do Right Now?

• Talk to Someone – A friend, teacher, family member or a helpline. You can also go and see your GP.

• Look After Your Wellbeing – Eat well, sleep enough and take breaks.

• Find Healthy Outlets – Journaling, sports, music or spending time outside can help.

• Use Online Resources – The websites above offer advice, self-help tools and helplines.

These guides from Young Minds are helpful:

• Alone and misunderstood

• Anger

• Down and unable to cope

• Eating problems

• Grief and loss

• Loneliness

• Out of control

• Panic attacks

• Self-harm

• Sleep problems

• Feeling stuck

• Suicidal feelings

Need Immediate Support?

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please don’t wait. Speak to a trusted adult, or contact:

• Childline – Call 0800 1111 or visit 🔗childline.org.uk

• Samaritans – Call 116 123 (available 24/7)

• Papyrus (for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts) – Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967

• SHOUT - Text SHOUT to 85258 for anonymous text-based support

Your mental health matters. You deserve support, and there are people ready to help you.

Mr Jones is the school's Senior Mental Health Lead and is always happy to discuss how the school can improve its approach to mental health and wellbeing support.