Thursday 3rd October 2024

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This is how we share information and good practices relating to mental health and wellbeing support in schools and colleges

What's New

NEWS: Michael Syddall Accreditation

14th May 2024

Michael Syddall CofE (Aided) Primary School in Richmond, North Yorkshire receive AcSEED Award

NEWS: Sherborne House Accreditation

16th January 2024

Sherborne House School in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire receive AcSEED Award

NEWS: The AcSEED Newsletter

28th July 2022

AcSEED Newsletter for July 2022

NEWS: UK Government blog

21st July 2022

What we are doing to improve the mental health of children and young people

NEWS: AcSEED at MHW Show 2022

11th May 2022

AcSEED were a presenter and exhibitor at the Mental Health and Wellbeing show in Cardiff on 10th May 2022

NEWS: Wistaston Accreditation

25th April 2022

Wistaston Church Lane Academy in Crewe, Cheshire receive AcSEED Award

NEWS: Gorse Hall Accreditation

7th April 2022

Gorse Hall Primary and Nursery School in Stalybridge, Cheshire receive AcSEED Award

NEWS: Crosby High Accreditation

7th April 2022

Crosby High School in Crosby, Merseyside receive AcSEED Award

NEWS: St Olave's Accreditation

1st April 2022

St Olave's Grammer School in Orpington, Kent receive AcSEED Award

NEWS: St Paul's Accreditation

19th August 2021

St Paul's Church of England Primary School in Stalybridge, Cheshire receive AcSEED Award

NEWS: The AcSEED Newsletter

14th December 2020

AcSEED Newsletter for December 2020

NEWS: On-line Wellbeing Support

11th December 2020

Kooth: An on-line Mental Health Support Platform

NEWS: Mental Health in Schools Conference

11th November 2020

Report from the Westminster Insight conference on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools

NEWS: Fairfield Road Accreditation

20th October 2020

Fairfield Road Primary School receive AcSEED Award

NEWS: Newport Girls' get AcSEED Award

31st August 2020

Congratulations to Newport Girls' High School in Shropshire ...

NEWS: First AcSEED Wellbeing Centre

25th June 2019

Trinity School and College opens the first AcSEED Wellbeing Centre

Supporting your Child

How can you best support your child when they are struggling with their mental health? This list of best practice suggestions is based on the experiences and opinions of The AcSEED Volunteers. If you have other ideas from your experiences then please share your suggestions.

Share your concerns

It's important to understand that children are often reluctant to discuss difficulties with their parents/guardians. They may feel embarrassed, ashamed, and perhaps worried about potential concequences. Sharing your concerns can provide an opportunity for your child to share their feelings with you, but don't pressure them to do so. They will talk when they are ready, and you need to be ready to listen.

Step back from the emotions of the situation

A child suffering emotional or mental health difficulties can cause significant stress for parents/guardians. However their situation will be helped most if you can engage them in discussion with a rational and non-judgemental perspective.

Get help/support for yourself

When a young person experiences mental illness don't underestimate the impact this can have on your emotional and physical health. Your GP will be able to discuss the services that are available to support your needs.

Give yourself time out

If your child has mental health problems you can quickly find yourself devoting all your time towards supporting their recovery. Whilst this is an understandable reaction, it is also important to recognise that you need to maintain your own health in order to best support your child. Remaining active and pursuing hobbies also provides a positive example of constructive behaviours to your child.

Avoid attributing blame to yourself or others

Seeking to attribute blame will not bring any constructive benefits to improving the situation. Remember that your child may be suffering from low self-esteem and feelings of intense guilt which will not be helped focussing attention on likely causes.

Educate yourself

Mental health problems often have complex and multi-dimensional causes, and resulting behaviours such as self harm can be difficult to understand. Your ability to support your child can be significantly improved by leaning about the nature and symptoms of their difficulties. Talk to your GP and other relevant health professionals. Search for information on the internet. And don't forget to ask your child about how they feel.

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