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A parent/carer's guide to care and wellbeing
At St Gregory’s we understand that your child’s mental health and wellbeing are essential to their overall success and happiness throughout their educational journey. We are committed to working together with parents and carers to provide the best possible support for each student’s emotional and mental wellbeing, from their early years to their final school days.
This page offers a range of resources designed to help you support your child at every stage of their development. Here, you will find key contacts and trusted external support services, including mental health organisations, helplines, and websites, all of which provide valuable advice and guidance for your child and your family.
Whether your child is dealing with academic pressures, social challenges, or personal struggles, we encourage open communication and early intervention to ensure their wellbeing. Our aim is to provide practical tips and tools that can help you recognise when your child may need extra support, and to guide you in accessing the right help.
Kooth
www.kooth.com Kooth is a free, online counselling services where under – 18s can chat anonymously to a trained counsellor.
Young Minds
www.youngminds.org.uk Young Minds says: We’re leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges. We’re here to make sure they get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties
Anna Freud Parents Guide to Mental Health
Anxiety Parent and Carer Guidance
Body Image Advertising Parent Guide
Charlier Waller Coping with Self Harm Parents Guide
Charlie Waller Parents Guide to Depression
Digital Advertising and Social Media Parent Guide
Kidscape Cyberbullying for Students
Kidscape Safety on Holiday for Parents
Mental Health Foundation Make it Count Guide for Parents and Carers
Mental Health Foundation Scary World News Guide for Parents and Carers
Mental Health Foundation Self Harm Guide for Parents and Carers
Mind How to Manage Stress for All
Mind Suicidal Feelings for All
Thrive Exam Stress Parents and Carers
Transition to Secondary School
Wiltshire Treehouse Leaflet for Families and Professionals
We are aware that mental and emotional wellbeing are becoming increasing priorities in the care and progression of young people. The information below has been gathered via the training and professional development of key members of pastoral staff, with the intention of outlining services we can offer as a school, as well as basic measures parents can take at home, to nurture their child’s mental and emotional needs.
How can I encourage my child to keep a healthy mind?
There are many things you can do to encourage your son or daughter to keep a healthy mind, including:
- Encourage a healthy and balanced diet which will help your child feel energetic and awake during the day.
- Ensure they have an appropriate amount of sleep (the NHS recommends 9 hours per night).
- Monitor your child’s social media use and content they are exposed to online.
- Reinforce positive attitudes and use affirming language.
- Restrict the usage of the internet and technology, particularly at bedtime.
- Support your child in undertaking regular exercise and physical activity.
What might be the signs of an unhealthy mind?
Signs that your child may be struggling with their emotional and mental wellbeing might include:
- If your child appears frequently worried or anxious.
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
- School refusal.
- If your child begins to appear withdrawn.
- If your child begins to appear unusually tired or drained.
(Please note that these signs do not exclusively suggest mental health issues. If in doubt, please see below)
Who should I talk to if I am worried about my child’s mental health?
It is important to seek help if you are having concerns about your child’s emotional or mental wellbeing. Appropriate avenues include:
- Open and honest conversations between parent and child as a starting point.
- Visiting your child’s GP.
- Discussion with your child’s tutor and Head of House.
- Contacting the school's First Aid & Welfare Officer to discuss counselling sessions.
- External agencies and organisations.