At Lindens Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and well-being of our pupils and staff. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable at times, and that we all may need additional emotional support from time to time. We take the view that we all have a role to play in promoting positive mental health.

We offer different levels of support:

Universal Support - To meet the needs of all our pupils through our overall ethos and our wider curriculum. For instance, developing resilience for all. 

Additional support - For those who may have short-term needs and those who may have been made vulnerable by life experiences such as bereavement.  

Targeted support - For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions such as nurture groups or personal mentors.

Lead staff members to contact if you are concerned about your child’s mental health: Mrs Laura Keight (SENDCO), Mr Jonathan Keight (Senior Mental Health Lead) and Mrs Vanessa Wade (Pastoral Lead)

Lindens Mental Health and Well-Being Team

We have a Senior Mental Health and Well Being Lead in school that is responsible for promoting well-being for our staff and pupils (Mr Jonathan Keight). We have a designated pastoral & ELSA lead, Mrs Vanessa Wade, who supports, Mrs Keig & Mrs Cox, in delivering bespoke interventions and nurture groups for pupils. All members of staff work collaboratively with our SENDCo to ensure all of our children receive the support they deserve.

What do I do if I am worried about my child's mental health or well-being?

You can:

• Go to your GP as a first port of call as they are a useful place to gain medical support and signposting of local services, or speak to a school nurse. Referrals for the school nurse can be made through your GP and through school. School nurse details: Harden Health Centre, Harden Road, Walsall WS3 1ET
• Talk to your child's class teacher 
• Talk to your school's SENDCO (Mrs L Keight) or the Senior Mental Health Lead (Mr J Keight)
• The Education Psychology Service has a helpline for parents available daily on: 0116 305 5100
• Young Minds - Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544
• Contact Early Help - children and family well-being service @ East Locality Hub Address: Silver Court, Brownhills, Walsall, WS8 6HA 01922 655 470

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CAMHS

CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. CAMHS is the name for the NHS services that assess and treat young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties

CAMHS Useful Links:

Bereavement

If your family have suffered a bereavement, and feel that school can support please do contact us.

Books to support Bereavement:

• Dogger – gentle intro to discussion for very young children
• Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley (particularly useful if an older person has died).
• Michael Rosen’s Sad Book
• Tattybogle by Sandra Ann Horn
• Muddles, Puddles & Sunshine by Winstons Wish – is an activity book.
• Vicky Angel by Jaqueline Wilson (a friend’s death,  for older children)

Online Links to Support Yours and Your Child's Mental Health