Mental Health

At Knutsford Academy and Cheshire Studio School we recognise the responsibility we have to promoting good mental health. Through PHSCE, SMSC and other areas of the curriculum students will be asked to reflect on their own mental health and ways in which they could best support themselves. All adults working with young people in the school have a pivotal part to play in the process of supporting good mental health.

Your first point of contact in school is your child’s Head of Year or Form Tutor. They will in the first instance offer support and may direct you to the mental health support materials on this site. If appropriate you may be direct toward a member of the mental health team.

Mental Health Team

Whilst all staff have a responsibility for supporting mental health the school has a team of appropriately trained staff who have central responsibility for offering support.

The members of that team are listed below :

  • Mr C Leigh – Senior Mental Health Lead: clh@knutsfordacademy.org.uk
  • Mrs C Storrow – Mental Health First Aider: csw@knutsfordacademy.org.uk
  • Mrs A Jones – Mental Health First Aider: ajo@knutsfordacademy.org.uk
  • Mrs J Murphy - Mental Health (Sixth Form): jmy@knutsfordacademy.org.uk

Below is a copy of the iThrive model for students and families living in Cheshire East. The model provides a list of agencies offering advice and support in the Cheshire East area.

IThrive Model Knutsford Academy and Cheshire Studio School

Alternatively if you want advice you could phone the school directly on 01565 633294 and request to speak to a member of the Mental Health Team.

Please click on the link below to download the Mental Health Policy for both Knutsford Academy and Cheshire Studio School as well as a range of other resources.

Parenting Support for Mental Health Issues

Emotional Health and Wellbeing

 

5 ways to positive mental wellbeing

  1. Connect with other people

Good relationships help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth, give you an opportunity to share positive experiences and also provide emotional support and allow you to support others

DO’s

  • if possible, take time each day to have time with your family such as at dinner time.
  • Arrange a day out with friends
  • Switch off the TV/ Playstation or XBOX. Call or facetime a friend.
  • Have lunch with a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.

DON’T

  • Rely on technology or social media alone to build relationships. It’s easy to get into the habit of only ever texting, messaging or emailing people.
  1. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by raising your self-esteem, helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them. It also causes chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood

DO’s

  • Find activities you enjoy that help you keep fit.
  • Set yourself a goal of completing the couch to 5K challenge
  • Go for a walk with friends.
  • Dance to your favourite music

DON’T

  • feel that you have to spend hours in a gym. It’s best to find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your life
  1. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by boosting self-confidence and raising your self esteem. It can also help you to build a sense of purpose, and help you to connect with others.

DO’s

  • try learning to cook something new.
  • try taking on a new responsibility at school, such as organising or helping in a club
  • work on a DIY project, or try gardening
  • try new hobbies that challenge you, such as writing a blog, taking up a new sport or learning to paint

DON’T

  • feel you have to learn new qualifications or sit exams if this does not interest you. It’s best to find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your life
  1. Give to others

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by creating positive feelings and a sense of reward, giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth and helps you connect with other people.

DO’s

  • Small acts of kindness towards other people. Or larger ones if you feel like challenging yourself like volunteering in your local community.
  • Ask friends or family how they are and really listening to their answer
  • Spend time with friends or relatives who need support or company
  • Offer to help someone you know with DIY or a school project

DON’T

  • Worry if you cant do big things, saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you can mean a lot to that person.
  1. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

DO

  • Pay more attention to the present moment.
  • Listen to your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

Parents

TLP