Wellbeing, Healthy Schools & Mental Health Information
The Wellbeing and Mental Health of children is a priority at Marus Bridge. We aim to support the whole child and seek out opportunities to help children flourish spiritually and in their wellbeing. Through our PSHE and RSE curriculum we support children to recognise and name their emotions, to have strategies to support their own wellbeing and to know who they can speak to when they need further help. Theme weeks highlight mental health and wellbeing, whilst school staff and guest speakers help create an everyday culture where mistakes are a part of learning, where it is okay to feel a range of emotions, and where experiences of how resilience has been found in hard times are shared.
Through our PSHE curriculum, assemblies and health and well-being week we help children learn about the importance of a healthy diet, whilst our PE and sporting opportunities encourage the participation of all children in regular sport; introducing more unfamiliar sports in addition to furthering opportunities for those identified as having specific interests and talents. We want to encourage the regular participation in sport for all our children as a life-long habit.
We are part of the Wigan healthy School programme and will add here the montly newsletter about what is going on. Take a ;look at teh celebration event we took part in. Healthy Schools Celebration Event 2023 - YouTube
From EYFS onwards the importance of relaxation and mindfulness is encouraged. From an early age children are introduced to the concept of mental health and the importance of keeping ourselves mentally and physically healthy.
We provide additional support to children, individually and in small groups, through the role of our Pastoral Team who work on a referral basis with children. Children are encouraged to self-refer but can also be referred by parents and staff in school for support with friendships, developing self-esteem and understanding social situations.
Children are also supported to respect each other and to understand their role as global citizens. Children are encouraged to learn from other cultures and understand the impact their choices have on the wellbeing of others; whether this be on others within their class, school or community or others in the wider world.
Children are also taught to be advocates for others, to find their voice, to speak out on issues that matter to them and explore other issues where they can be a voice for others. Having a healthy mind includes knowing how to speak out. Newsround is a valuable resource that supports children in gaining a global perspective and children are encouraged to ask questions and consider issues through the lens of our Values. In recent years, children have researched and looked at how they can take action on plastic pollution, the use of palm oil and deforestation and how they can raise money for members of our school if needed. They are encouraged to look at ways we can make society more equal so we can all enjoy life. Staff are also encouraged to raise awareness of topics that are important to them as part of the wellbeing of our school family.
Supporting children to recognise their own wellbeing and mental health needs is an important part of our PSHE and RSE curriculum and a foundation for their learning as Marus Bridge School.
There are plenty of different types of support at Marus Bridge such as out pastoral team and our Mental Health First Aiders. If you are worried about a child in school please contact; pastoral@marusbridge.co.uk or contact Karen Bish. Our Mental Health First Aiders are a point of contact if you, or someone you are concerned about, are experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. They are not therapists or psychiatrists but they can give you initial support and signpost you to appropriate help if required. If you have any questions about Mental Health Please contact one of our trained staff on the emails below or just ask is for a private conversation if you see us around school. We are qualified Mental Health First Aiders for Youth and Adults.
What help is out there for you and your child?
Share the news with family members and other families in the area so that they too can take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.
Wigan Borough Council have PRE-PAID for every parent and carer in Wigan to access a course for parents/carers at https://clicktime.symantec.com/3HU8y26fpx3LExnsmv21dyx6H2?u=www.inourplace.co.uk) for residents in our area. There are courses for parents, carers and grandparents about children from bump to 19+ years.
How do you access?
- In Our Place www.inourplace.co.uk If you haven’t used it already here is the access code for all the online courses (funded for residents): DEAL2030 or If, like many parents, you have already used this code, log into your account here and this course will be ready in your dashboard to start whenever you are ready.
- Stress Management society - Dedicated to helping individuals and businesses recognise and reduce stress. Telephone: 0203 142 8650 Web: stress.org.uk
- National Debt Line - A free and confidential advice service to help you improve your financial situation and take control of your debts. Telephone: 0808 808 4000 Web: nationaldebtline.org
- Samaritans - Helping you explore your options so you can make decisions that are right for you. Telephone: 116123 Email: jo@samaritans.org Web: Samaritans.org
- Family Lives - For professional, non-judgmental support and advice that all members of the family can freely access. Telephone: 0808 800 2222 Web: familylives.org.uk
- Relate the relationship people - Offering a free and completely confidential chat with trained relationship counsellors. Telephone: 0300 100 1234 Web: relate.org.uk
- ChildLine – Telephone: 08001111 Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Wigan CAMHS Team - Telephone 01942 775400 open 9-5pm please call 0800 051 3253 after 5pm for Greater Manchester Mental health.
- Kooth – Free online service offering emotional and mental support for children and young people. Web: kooth.com
- Young minds - Web: youngminds.org.uk Text: YM to 85258 We are a Mental Health charity for children, young people and their parents.
- Kooth - https://www.kooth.com - sign up online
- Young Minds - https://youngminds.org.uk. Text YM to 85258
- Shout - https://www.crisistextline.uk 24/7 text SHOUT to 85258
- CAMHS on 01942 764473 for urgent support and advice. After 5pm and weekends please phone 0800 051 3253
- NSPCC - We're the leading children's charity in the UK. Telephone: 0808 800 5000
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