Mental Health and Wellbeing

Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students, families, and school community is a priority at our school. This space has been created to offer guidance, support, and practical tools for everyone.

Welcome to Little Lever School Wellbeing Space This is a space for everyone in our school community—students, parents, and carers. A place to learn, explore, and find support for mental health and wellbeing—whether things are going well or feel a bit difficult right now. We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health. At times, we may feel stressed, worried, low, or overwhelmed—and that’s a normal part of life. A Safe and Supportive Space We want everyone to feel safe, respected, and listened to. 

For students: Nothing you’re feeling is “too small.” If it matters to you, it matters. 

For parents and carers: This space is here to help you understand and support your child’s wellbeing, as well as find guidance if you have concerns. Talking to someone can make a big difference. Students can speak to a trusted adult in school, and parents/carers can contact the school if they have any worries or would like support. We are here to help and will always take concerns seriously. 

A Note About Privacy We treat all concerns with care and respect. If a student shares something, we will listen and support them. In some situations, if there are concerns about safety, we may need to involve other professionals to make sure everyone is safe and supported. 

Remember Students: You are important, and your feelings matter. 

Parents & carers: You are not alone—support is available for you and your child.

Mental health is about how we think, feel, and cope with everyday life. Just like physical health, everyone has mental health—and it changes over time. We all experience different emotions depending on what is happening in our lives, and this is completely normal for children, young people, and adults. Mental health is not about being “fine” all the time. It is about understanding our feelings and knowing how to get support when we need it. 

Common Feelings: At different times, we may experience: Stress – feeling under pressure or finding things overwhelming (e.g. exams, work, responsibilities)

  • Anxiety – feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy, sometimes without knowing exactly why
  • Low mood – feeling sad, tired, or lacking motivation 
  • Anger – feeling frustrated or finding it hard to stay calm

These feelings are part of life and can affect both young people and adults. It’s Normal to Feel This Way: Sometimes Everyone experiences difficult emotions at times. Feeling stressed, worried, low, or angry does not mean something is “wrong” with you—it means you are human and responding to life’s challenges. The important thing is learning how to understand these feelings and knowing when to ask for support. 

Signs to Look Out for: Sometimes mental health difficulties can show in different ways. 

You might notice: 

  • Changes in mood, feeling more upset, irritable, or withdrawn than usual.
  • Trouble sleeping, difficulty falling asleep or sleeping more than usual.
  • Feeling overwhelmed or finding it hard to cope with everyday tasks. 
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, or usual activities. Changes in concentration, energy, or motivation. These signs can affect both pupils and adults. 

What Might This Feel Like? Mental health can look different depending on the situation.

For example: 

  • Before exams or tests: feeling nervous, struggling to concentrate, or worrying about performance.
  • Friendship issues: feeling upset after an argument or worrying about fitting in.
  • Busy school environments: feeling overwhelmed in crowded corridors or noisy classrooms.
  • At home or work: feeling stressed when there is lots going on or changes in routine.
  • Social situations: feeling anxious about speaking up or meeting new people. 

These experiences are very common and can affect both young people and adults. Remember You are not alone in how you feel. Everyone struggles, sometimes Feelings can change and improve over time. Talking to someone you trust can really help. Support is available in school, at home, and through trusted services whenever you need it.

 

If you are struggling with how you feel, you do not have to cope alone. Support is available in school, at home, and through trusted external services.

Reaching out is a positive step, and there will always be someone who can listen and help.

Support in School: Students can speak to: Form tutor, year leaders, Wellbeing or safeguarding staff: Ms May, Ms Hutchinson, Ms Leigh and Mr Cordwell and Ms Moore, and any trusted adult in school. 

Ways to get help may include Speaking to someone directly, asking for a quiet chat or check-in, Visiting the safeguarding office or year leader office. Emailing or asking a member of staff to help you find support. 

Parents and carers can also contact school directly if they have concerns about their child’s wellbeing.

Talking to Someone Helps

It can feel difficult to start a conversation, but you don’t need to have the “right words”. You could simply say: “I’ve not been feeling myself lately.” I need someone to talk to.” I’m finding things difficult at the moment. “Staff are here to listen, not to judge. 

Trusted External Support

If you need support outside of school, these services can help:

  • Childline – Free, confidential support for young people
  • Young Minds – Mental health advice for young people and parents
  • NHS – NHS mental health support and guidance
  • Place2Be – Helpful advice and support for parents and carers
  • Shout – Text “SHOUT” TO 85258 - free

These services are free, confidential, and there to help.

If You Need Urgent Help: If you or someone else is in immediate danger or cannot stay safe:

  • Speak to a trusted adult immediately
  • Go to the nearest safe adult in school or at home
  • Call emergency services if needed - Your safety is the most important thing. Remember You are not alone - It is okay to ask for help; People care and want to support you. Talking about things can make a real difference

 

These are small daily habits that can support your mental health over time. You don’t need to do everything—just try what works for you.

  1. Get Enough Sleep: Try to have a regular sleep routine where possible. Good sleep helps with mood, concentration, and energy.
  2. Eat and Drink Regularly: Try to eat balanced meals and drink water throughout the day. Your brain works better when your body is fuelled properly.
  3. Move Your Body: This doesn’t have to be exercise—it can be walking, stretching, dancing, or playing outside. Movement helps release stress and improve mood.
  4. Spend Time Outside: Fresh air and natural light can help you feel calmer and more focused, even for a short time.
  5. Talk to Someone You Trust: Sharing how you feel with a friend, family member, or: staff member can help you feel supported and less alone.
  6. Do One Enjoyable Thing Each Day: Try to include something you enjoy every day, even if it’s small (music, gaming, drawing, hobbies, chatting with friends).

Remember

  • Small habits build up over time
  • You don’t need to be perfect
  • Looking after yourself is important for everyone
  • Support is always available if you need it

 

You might find it helpful to try different activities that help you feel calmer, more focused, or more relaxed. Different things work for different people, so it’s about finding what suits you.

  1. Listen to Music - Play music that matches how you want to feel—calm music can help you relax, while upbeat music can lift your mood.
  2. Draw, Colour, or Doodle - Use drawing or colouring to express how you feel without needing words. This can be very calming.
  3. Write Down Your Thoughts or Feelings - Jotting things down can help clear your mind and make worries feel more manageable.
  4. Watch Something Comforting - Watch a familiar TV show, film, or video that makes you feel safe and relaxed.
  5. Spend Time on a Hobby - Do something you enjoy like gaming, reading, sports, cooking, or creative activities.
  6. Spend Time Outside - Fresh air, nature, or even a short walk can help you feel calmer and reset your thoughts.
  7. Use Something Comforting - Hold or use something that makes you feel safe or calm, like a blanket, stress ball, or fidget item.

 

Sometimes our minds can become full of worries, negative thoughts, or “what if” thinking. This can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to manage these thoughts and help your mind feel calmer.

These strategies can be used by students, parents, and carers. 

1. Notice and Name the Thought - Try to recognise what you are thinking and label it.

For example:

“I am having a worried thought.”

“This is my anxiety talking.”

This helps create distance between you and the thought.

2. Write It Down

Put your thoughts onto paper instead of keeping them in your mind.

This can help reduce how heavy or overwhelming they feel.

3. Slow Your Breathing - When thoughts feel intense, slow breathing can help calm your body and mind.

Inhale slowly… exhale slowly… repeat.

 

Ms Mays favourites:

1. Flower Breathing (Calming & Simple) - Imagine you are holding a flower. Breathe in slowly through your nose, as if you are smelling the flower - Breathe out slowly through your mouth, as if you are gently blowing the petals - Repeat slowly 5–10 times

This helps slow your breathing and bring a sense of calm.

2. Box Breathing (Helps Focus & Control)

Imagine a square box - trace a box with your finger on your hand or in your mind whilst you Breathe in for 4 seconds - Hold for 4 seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds , Hold for 4 seconds

Repeat this cycle a few times - This can help you feel more in control and steady.

 3. Slow Breathing (Basic Reset Technique)

Breathe in slowly through your nose (about 4 seconds)

Breathe out slowly through your mouth (about 6 seconds)

Try to make your exhale longer than your inhale

Repeat until your body feels calmer.

4. Challenge the Thought

Ask yourself: Is this thought 100% true?

What evidence do I have?

What would I say to a friend thinking this?

This can help make thoughts feel more balanced.

 5. Focus on What You Can Control

Try to shift attention to small, practical things you can do right now, rather than worries about the future.

For example: Getting ready for the day

Completing one small task

Talking to someone

6. Ground Yourself in the Present

Use your senses to bring your mind back to the moment:

What can I see?

What can I hear?

What can I feel?

This helps reduce overwhelming thoughts.

7. Talk to Someone You Trust

Sharing your thoughts can make them feel less powerful.

Speaking to a trusted adult, friend, or family member can really help. 

 

Remember - Thoughts are not always facts

Everyone experiences difficult thoughts at times

You do not have to deal with them alone

Support is always available in school and at home

 

We understand that supporting a child or young person’s mental health can sometimes feel challenging. This section is here to offer guidance, reassurance, and practical ways you can help at home, as well as where to find further support if needed.

Understanding Your Child’s Wellbeing - Children and young people may not always find it easy to explain how they are feeling. Changes in behaviour can sometimes be a sign that they are struggling.

You may notice:

  • Changes in mood (becoming more withdrawn, upset, or irritable)
  • Changes in sleep or eating habits
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Avoiding school, friends, or usual activities
  • Increased worries or emotional outbursts

These signs do not always mean something serious is wrong, but they may suggest your child needs extra support.

 How You Can Help at Home

  • You may find it helpful to: Keep routines consistent where possible (mealtimes, bedtime, school routine)
  • Listen calmly and without judgement
  • Encourage open conversations about feelings
  • Reassure your child rather than immediately trying to “fix” the problem
  • Spend positive time together, even in small ways
  • Notice and praise small achievements
  • Talking About Mental Health

Starting conversations can feel difficult, but small, simple questions can help, such as:

  • “How are you feeling today?”
  • “Is there anything on your mind?”
  • “Do you want to talk about it, or would you prefer some time?”
  • Sometimes just listening is the most helpful response. 

Looking After Yourself Too

Supporting a young person can be emotionally demanding. It is important that parents and carers also look after their own wellbeing.

This might include:

  • Taking time to rest when you can
  • Talking to someone you trust
  • Accessing your own support if needed

When to Seek Support - It may be helpful to seek support if:

  • Worries or behaviours continue over time
  • Your child seems increasingly distressed
  • You feel unsure about how to help

Reaching out early can make a real difference.

Remember - You are not alone -There is no “perfect” way to support a child - small steps can have a big impact - Support is always available when you need it

School Support - If you have concerns, please contact the school. We are here to work with you to support your child’s wellbeing.

 

You may find the following services helpful:

Urgent Support

If you have serious concerns about a young person’s safety, please seek urgent help:

  • Attend your nearest A&E 
  • Call 999 in an emergency 

Call NHS 111 for urgent medical advice

Here are the things we can all do to help manage difficult feelings and look after our mental health. Different strategies work for different people, so it’s about finding what helps you personally.

These ideas can be used by students, parents, and carers.

Remember It’s okay to take time to calm down Everyone needs support sometimes Different strategies work for different people You are not alone

Slow Breathing: Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 2, then breathe out slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds. Repeat this a few times to help your body relax.

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique: Focus on your senses to bring your mind back to the present. List 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste.

Take a Short Break: Step away from what’s causing stress if you can. Walk, stretch, or move to a quieter space for a few minutes. 

Drink Water: Slowly Drinking water slowly can help calm your body and give you a moment to pause and reset.

Use Calming Sounds or Music: Listen to music, nature sounds, or something familiar and comforting to help regulate your mood.

Write It Down and Let It Go: Write down your thoughts, worries, or feelings on a piece of paper. This can help “clear your mind” and make things feel more manageable. Then choose a calming way to let it go, such as: Folding the paper and placing it in a box or drawer Or simply saying to yourself: “I am letting this go for now. “This helps your brain separate from the worry and move forward.