Where can I get support?
ASC Support Team Parent Workshop at BACA
Thursday 15th September 11.30 - 1.00
The focus will be on managing transition and anxiety, but there will also be the opportunity to ask questions and seek advice around a number of topics. The workshop is for parents and carers of students with a diagnosis and who are on the diagnosis pathway.
The workshop will be held in the main hall and Ms Keene will meet parent / carers in the main reception at 11.20,
CAMHS Mental Health Workshop
/docs/Sussex_CAMHS_Participation_Mental_Health_Workshops_Poster_No_bleed.pdf
Young Minds
Self Harm
//www.youtube.com/embed/kT5cr-HTTEQ
Shout
How the service works
By texting the word SUSSEX to 85258, people of any age can access the free, confidential, 24/7 service to have a text-based conversation with a trained volunteer. The volunteers offer real-time support to people who are struggling, and help get them to get to a calmer place.
Texters will be signposted to local services in Sussex, including the Sussex Mental Healthline, Staying Well services and the Grassroots’ Stay Alive App, if needed, to get continuous and longer-term support.
Conversations are overseen by trained supervisors who monitor conversations 24/7. Clinical supervisors can escalate texters to the emergency services via a direct line if they are deemed at imminent risk.
The initiative is being delivered through the national text messaging service Shout, which has already supported thousands of people since it was launched by Mental Health Innovations in 2019.
For more information about how the Shout text messaging service works, watch this short video here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAKR9Z9sMLq2J0d4GNJ_iEg
Health Services at BACA
A number of first-aid trained staff are on site during school hours should students have a health problem or concern.
Additionally, a drop-in health clinic is offered for BACA students every Tuesday, during first break.
- Students in years 9-11 can access the drop in clinic for sexual health advice including; c-cards, condoms, pregnancy and chlamydia testing.
- Students in all year groups can stop by the Health Stand outside the clinic for general health advice.
School nursing is provided through the Brighton and Hove Schools and Community Service. The drop-in clinic at BACA is run jointly between School Nursing and the Youth Collective.
You can find out more about the school nursing services provided for students and families online or by calling 01273 294530. Anyone can access these services for a variety of health needs or questions.
Brighton and Hove- Wellbeing Team
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing you are very welcome to arrange a consultation with David Pritchard a Senior Primary Mental Health Worker with the Schools Wellbeing Team, which is part of the Brighton and Hove Council.
David is a trained therapist and can offer advice, support and guidance on all queries around mental health. If necessary he can redirect you to a different service.
All conversations will be treated in confidence and recorded following normal safeguarding procedures.
To access this service, ideally you will complete a BHISS form which BACA can provide or email david.pritchard@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
David will then reply to set up a suitable time to talk. If you prefer you can either call him on 07825 862 528, or contact Ms Brady or Ms Keene at school to find out more.
Please note This is not a crisis number – if you require immediate support you need to contact your GP, call CAMHS duty care on 03003040061 or go directly to A&E.
For information regarding the different services available in Brighton and Hove, please visit findgetgive.com
Barnardo’s
Barnardo's has launched a new support service for Black, Asian and minority ethnic children, young people and their families impacted by Covid-19.
This is a UK-wide helpline that will focus on issues specifically affecting children, young people, and families from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities who have been hardest hit by the pandemic.
The new service is a free telephone helpline and webchat facility for children, young people, and families from these communities who are suffering the long-lasting and wide-ranging impact of Covid-19.
Barnardo’s specialist advisors will aim to provide ongoing support on a complex range of issues including mental health, bereavement, family breakdown, neglect, back to school, parenting advice, counseling, family stress, discrimination, barriers to services, and more.
You can find out more about the new helpline here: helpline.barnardos.org.
Courses
Family Learning Team at Brighton and Hove are offering free online courses to parents
Supporting a Teenager with Anxiety (1 hour session):
Weds 21 and 28 April from 7pm – 8pm
Building a Teenager’s Resilience (3 x 1 hour session) take place on:
Tuesday 20 and 27 April and 4 May from 7pm – 8pm
You can find out more information about the courses here.
Useful links
Safety Net Issue #3 - Sussing out School - click here
Amaze Sussex https://amazesussex.org.uk/looking-after-your-familys-wellbeing-during-lock-down/
The Blurt Foundation will email you regular updates to boost your mood https://www.blurtitout.org
Action for Happiness encourage you to find ways to stay positive and resilient https://www.actionforhappiness.org
Mind provides information on mental distress plus ideas for self-care https://www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans are there to listen if you are feeling overwhelmed https://www.samaritans.org
CAMHS Sussex has advice on mental wellbeing for children and parents https://sussexcamhs.nhs.uk/help-support
Citizens Advice offers practical information about all aspects of your life https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
The NHS have a range of apps you can use to promote your own wellbeing https://www.nhs.uk/appslibrary
NHS information on Coronavirus https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
A guide from Harvard University on managing fears about the Coronavirus
https://www.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/content/coronavirus_HUHS_managing_fears_A2%5B5%5D.pdf
Plus this advice from the Mental Health Foundation on protecting your mental health https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-duringcoronavirus-outbreak
The British Army hosts a free 8-week online course in Mindfulness https://www.army.mod.uk/people/join-well/managing-stress/mindfulness-course
Family Lives have fact sheets and a helpline to assist with all areas of parenting https://www.familylives.org.uk
Home-Start provide parenting tips and mentoring https://www.home-start.org.uk
CBeebies Grownups has lots of practical advice https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups
The NSPCC has tips on child safety and well-being plus ideas on how to communicate with your child https://www.nspcc.org.uk
Pooky Knightsmith is a therapist who offers mental wellbeing tips for all the family https://www.pookyknightsmith.com
The Anna Freud Centre is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of infants, children and their families throughout the Coronavirus epidemic - Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Front Door for Families - https://new.brighton-hove.gov.
Covid-19 advice for parents/carers if your child is unwell or injured - click here
Letter for parents/carers - Chat Health Messaging service - click here
BHSCP Letter to Parents & Carers - click here