As figures show ever increasing mental health issues among primary and secondary school aged students, we catch-up with those on the frontline to discuss how schools can support their students.
Concern for student’s mental health is on the rise, with a recent NHS report finding that 14.4% of primary school aged students are suffering from poor mental health, while an even more worrying 17.6% of secondary school aged pupils are likely to struggle with their mental health.
Allerton High School Deputy Head Andy Haigh and Mental Health Lead Tina Convy believe that the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting young people’s mental health: “The consequences of the pandemic are being seen now in a nationally recognised increase in the number of young people showing signs of stress and anxiety. More young people report difficulties with friendships and with following what would have been considered an ordinary school day before the pandemic and school closures.”
The pair believe that a school’s culture has a significant part to play in helping to prevent poor mental health in pupils and offering a support network should problems occur: “Schools have a responsibility to help support young peoples’ mental health and our school has embraced the challenge in a number of ways. One of the most important of these is often forgotten amid the justifiable concerns; feeling a sense of belonging in your school. We work hard to achieve this through a strong school culture where young people know what is expected of them and what they can in turn expect from school. Young people are made to feel included through our branding and becoming part of a small Coaching Group with a Coach-Teacher who will often stay with them throughout their school career. The Coach sees them every day and will help with the small difficulties and frustrations that can generate stress and anxiety.”
The current mental health crisis has caused schools to have to adapt in order to provide the support that pupils need. This has led to many schools providing training to staff: “Behind the Coach stands the Year Office with a Year Manager and Year Coach who do not have a teaching timetable but are trained to work with young people and families dealing with a wide range of problems which can impact on the mental health of young people. Staff are able to build positive relationships where students are able to express their concerns and feel supported. They also volunteer in the holidays, offering wellbeing drop-ins for those who need a space to talk and our website is regularly updated to signpost services for parents or carers and students.
While being the primary point of contact, many local schools also branch out to external services to provide aid. Thankfully, an extensive network of support services exists in North Leeds: “We also provide therapeutic support through our collaboration with the Alwoodley, Roundhay, and Meanwood Cluster which offers one-to-one counselling, group work, family support and mediation. We also employ the services of Place2Be, a renowned mental health charity who provide one-to-one counselling in our well designed and resourced counselling room. Allerton High collaborates with a number of services to provide specialist input where this is needed including Children’s Social Work Services, Educational Psychologists, Forward Leeds, The Beck, and Northpoint. It’s quite a long list!”
To talk to someone about any mental health issues, contact Place2be.org.uk
