Mental Health & Wellbeing

Where can I get help now?

Do you need immediate help? Click here for helplines, including Papyrus, CALM, and LGBTQIA+ support.

Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org - 116 112

Shout: Text the word 'Shout' to 85258, or text 'YM' if you are under the age of 19.

If you feel like harming or hurting yourself or others now, call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E), located at Torbay Hospital. If you need medical help but it’s not an emergency, call 111 or click here. This is a free NHS service where they will be able to direct you to your local crisis support services, and offer health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Click here for other local NHS mental health services in Torbay and South Devon.

Help for Children

Young Minds: https://www.youngminds.org.uk

Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk - 0800 11 11

Text 'YM' to 85258

Hub of Hope

According to NHS Enlgand, one in four adults and one in ten children experience mental illness. It's okay to ask for help, but sometimes, knowing where to start can seem daunting and overwhelming. The Hub of Hope is a website that allows you to enter your post code and see a list of support services in your area. You can even select the type of support that you may be looking for, from anxiety and depression, to more specific concerns such as bereavement, addictions, abuse, and financial support. Visit hubofhope.co.uk.

How can I support someone I am concerned about?

Parents can access free information and advice to support their child through mental health difficulties. Click here to find out more.

Never be afraid to start a conversation about mental health. Here are some conversation starters:

“I’ve noticed that you’ve seemed more withdrawn lately, I’m here if you would like to chat”
“It seems like you’re not quite your usual self lately. If you want to tell me more, I’m here to listen. If not, I can just be here with you”.
“I’ve picked up on a change in your mood recently.”
“I’ve noticed you’ve been quieter than usual lately”
"How can I best support you today?”
“I can see this is hard for you to open up about. It’s ok to take your time. I’m not in any rush”.
“What you’re feeling is valid, and I’m here to support you.”

Remember to allow silence, giving a person the chance to stop, reflect and process their emotions.

Click here to learn more about how you can support someone to access mental health services.

Wellbeing Tips

Consider how much sugar is in the foods we eat. Did you know, there’s more sugar in an Innocent smoothie than a Kit Kat Chunky!
Keeping active is a great way to reduce stress.
Reduce your caffeine intake.
Keep hydrated. If you often forget to drink water, why not set a reminder on your phone or carry a bottle around with you.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to almost all aspects of health. If you struggle to get to sleep, avoid looking at screens 2 hours before going to bed.
Be grateful for the smaller things in life. Why not keep a gratitude diary?
Manage your time. Research the Eisenhower Matrix and Pomodoro technique.
Mindfulness techniques are a great way to unwind and relax.
Certain smells can elicit the relaxation response, such as lavender.
Listen to your favourite music.
Chewing gum and smiling can release happy chemicals in our brain.
Breathe slowly and deeply in stressful situations.
Be social to a level that is comfortable for you.
Don’t be afraid to ask for additional support!

How does Brunel School support pupil and staff mental health?

As a Trauma-Informed specialist Social, Emotional, Mental Health (SEMH) provision, we take mental health and wellbeing extremely seriously, not only for our pupils, but for our staff too. The school's SENDCo and DSL coordinate mental health support for our pupils through appropriate signposting to external agencies and working with our school's Clinical Psychologist to plan and deliver therapeutic interventions through our 'Prosper Programme'.

Staff can access support services in various ways, through our trust-level employee assistance programmes or school-level mental health and wellbeing team. The school has appointed a Senior Mental Health Lead, Mental Health First Aider(s) and a volunteer Pupil Wellbeing Lead.

Our staff and visitor mental health & wellbeing information leaflet.