Here at The Astley Cooper School we know that in order to succeed and achieve our full potential, we need to have a healthy mind. Looking after our mental health and wellbeing is just as important as looking after our physical health and making sure our students are happy is a priority at The Astley Cooper School.

Emotional wellbeing is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as 'A state of wellbeing in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community'. 

At Astley, we endeavour to create a truly inclusive ethos and environment, in which all members of our school community can contribute and thrive.

We want to prepare them not only for the academic world but also for the challenges they may face in future life. We aim to teach them skills which will help to build resilience and the ability to manage their own emotions enabling them to deal with key life events.

We have a dedicated pastoral team with supportive Heads of Year, Form Tutors, SENDCo team and on site school counsellor. We also have a Wellbeing team who are dedicated to supporting the students emotional needs.

We support the emotional wellbeing of our students in several ways. These include:

• Promoting the 'Five Ways to Wellbeing' framework
• Weekly PSHE lessons
• Regular assemblies on issues such as bullying, mental health, drug awareness, relationships, equality and diversity, managing stress and anxiety
• A variety of guest speakers and workshops visiting the school to discuss the above issues
• Peer mentoring
• A free daily breakfast club open to all students
• Support groups run by our Wellbeing team
• Form sessions dedicated to wellbeing
• Fun activities and events planned to promote wellbeing

If you need any further support with a students wellbeing or mental health please contact the school.

Please find below some useful websites:

Healthy Young Minds in Herts

JustTalk Herts

Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Mind

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families

Managing Stress & Anxiety - Tips for Students

Other Links:

Emotional and Mental Wellbeing

Headspace app

https://www.childline.org.uk/

https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/hertfordshire/

https://www.kooth.com/

https://www.mindful.org/

https://www.themix.org.uk/

https://www.supportline.org.uk/ (A-Z of concerns with resources)

Bereavement

https://www.childbereavementuk.org/

https://www.healthyyoungmindsinherts.org.uk/sites/default/files/content/coronavirus-bereavement-and-childrne-guide-for-parents-and-carers.pdf

https://help2makesense.org/

http://stand-by-me.org.uk/

https://www.suddendeath.org/covid-19-bereavement

https://www.winstonswish.org/

Child Abuse

https://www.stopitnow.org.uk/

Children in Care

https://www.becomecharity.org.uk/for-young-people/

Domestic Abuse

https://www.hertssunflower.org/herts-sunflower.aspx

Drugs Information

https://www.hopeuk.org/

https://www.talktofrank.com/

Eating Disorders

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

https://seedeatingdisorders.org.uk/page/young-people

Gender Identity

http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/

https://www.mermaidsuk.org.uk/

Healthy Bodies

https://beezeebodies.com/programs/beezee-families/

LGBTQ+

https://www.youngstonewall.org.uk/

Mental Health Concerns

https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

https://www.changegrowlive.org/

https://www.cwmt.org.uk/

https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk//

https://www.meandmymind.nhs.uk/about/downloadable-resources/ (if hearing voices)

https://www.mind.org.uk/

https://www.minded.org.uk/

https://nopanic.org.uk/

https://www.rethink.org/living-with-mental-illness/young-people

https://www.selfharm.co.uk/

https://youngminds.org.uk/ (parent helpline)

Parental Support

https://www.natural-flair.com/

http://www.thebutterflyroom.org/about.html 

https://www.familylives.org.uk/   

Self Harm

http://www.harmless.org.uk/

https://www.selfharm.co.uk/alumina/

Sexual Health

https://www.brook.org.uk/

https://www.disrespectnobody.co.uk/

Suicidal Thoughts

https://theolliefoundation.org/

https://papyrus-uk.org/

https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/

Terminal Illness

http://www.hopesupport.org.uk/

https://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/

http://www.rosiecranetrust.org/

https://www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/

Victim Support

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

Websites with Online Chat/Counselling for Mental Health Concerns

https://www.childline.org.uk/

https://www.kooth.com/

https://www.samaritans.org/

https://healthyyoungmindspennine.nhs.uk/

https://sam-app.org.uk/ (self-help for anxiety management)

https://www.calm.com