Mental Health & Wellbeing

At St Michael's C of E Primary School, we aim to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for our whole school community (children, staff, parent & carers).

We recognise how important mental health and emotional wellbeing is to our lives, in just the same way as our physical health. We know that children’s mental health is a crucial factor in their overall wellbeing and can affect their learning and achievement.

Our role in school is to ensure that our whole community are able to manage in times of change and stress, that they are supported to reach their potential or access help when they need it. We ensure that children learn about what they can do to maintain positive mental health, what affects their mental health, how they can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and where they can go if they need help and support.

Here are just a few points on how we can improve our Mental Health

  • Exercise – This plays a key role in improving mental health. It can be tailored to your own interests.  Such as cycling, rock climbing, swimming, dancing, running or even just walking. Why not try this for 20 min each day a few times a week.
  • Relaxation – Everyone’s stress level can be raised at times, and we all know how hard it is to find time to relax. Try finding a little time each day, even if it’s just a few minutes a day to relax. Listening to music, deep breathing, yoga or even cooking.
  • Healthy eating – What we eat can have a big impact on out mental health. Try an aim for a diet which is rich in lean protein, whole grains, nuts, seeds and low-fat dairy. Also include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoid processed food and sweets.
  • Technology – Limit your technology use. Our whole world is technology based and sometimes we all need a break. Whilst it can have its benefits and is designed to bring people together, it can also be a trigger for stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness and generally exacerbate mental health problems. Try and re-examine you online habits and find a healthier balance.

Support Contact Information

Mind Line Cumbria http://www.mindlinecumbria.org/resources/emergency-crisis-support.aspx

Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Men’s support https://andysmanclub.co.uk/

Addiction

Drug or Alcohol Addiction https://www.talktofrank.com/get-help/find-support-near-you

Gambling https://www.gambleaware.org/

Additional resources

Bereavement https://www.cruse.org.uk/

Financial Worries https://www.turn2us.org.uk/

Carlisle Foodbank https://www.carlislefoodbank.org.uk/

Mental Health First Aider (MHFA)

Mrs S Miller – Year 1 Teacher

Please ask a member of staff in our school office if you would like to speak in confidence to our Mental Health First Aider.