Wellbeing
Wellbeing Curriculum
We are committed to ensuring the heath, wellbeing and mental health needs of all our pupils. This supported by a well structure an in-depth programme of study through our Well- being and Tutor Programme. Pupils also have access to a wide range of support within the school including staff support, pastoral staff, form tutor and wider external agencies, including the school nurse service, youth services and counselling.
Our wellbeing curriculum is underpinned by the 5 statements of ‘what matters’ from the Curriculum for Wales:
- Developing physical health and wellbeing has lifelong benefits.
- How we process and respond to our experiences affects our mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- Our decision-making impacts on the quality of our lives and the lives of others.
- How we engage with social influences shapes who we are and affects our health and wellbeing.
- Healthy relationships are fundamental to our wellbeing.
Wellbeing Support
The term wellbeing refers to your general happiness, health and quality of day-to-day life. The wellbeing of all pupils, parents, staff and stakeholders within our school community is pivotal to lifelong happiness and success.
This section of the website outlines the wellbeing provision for pupils and parents at GHS.
If you are concerned for the safeguarding of a pupil or parent, please visit the relevant safeguarding page.
Wellbeing and support at GHS includes:
- Wellbeing lessons (physical, social and emotional wellbeing)
- Your child's teachers to support and guide
- School teams and Heads of School for academic and pastoral guidance
- Deputy Heads of School for wellbeing and pastoral care
- School counselling (in school services by referral, including self-referral)
- Referral and direction to external support services (youth service, health, medical and wider support)
As well access to a wide range of external services, support organisations and resources online, pupils are signposted to a wide range of information and are also advised personally as and when required.
In addition, we have a very experienced and well-qualified safeguarding team who are always on hand to deal with any concerns or worries you may have:
Mrs. Helen Higgs, Designated Safeguarding Lead Officer
hhiggs@gwernyfed-hs.powys.sch.uk
Miss Kayleigh Hughes, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Officer
khughes@gwernyfed-hs.powys.sch.uk
We are always here to support you.
What do I do if I need counselling?
Need support? Not quite feeling yourself and in need of someone to talk to?
Get in contact with one of the Area 43 counsellors or one of the many organisations below. There are lots of avenues for help at this very difficult time for everyone across the world.
Just reach out for help and you will get all the assistance and help you need!
I feel low and don’t know what to do
There will be times when we all experience low points.
Remember, it is OK not to feel OK; by that we mean that in order to start feeling better, you have to understand what it is that makes you feel low.
If you can, write down what makes you feel low and discuss it with someone from your family or ask if you can speak to someone from school.
The most important thing to stress is that you are not alone. We are here and so too are lots of agencies. If you don't want to talk to someone you know, use the links here to help.
If you do not want to speak to a member of staff, you could try speaking to one of the following agencies:
Childline - Telephone 0800 1111 or click on this link:
https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/
Childnet - Click on this link:
Samaritans - Telephone 116 12 or click on this link:
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
What if I need support from my family?
If you feel you need to share something with a family member and you need to get a bit of advice and support, read the assistance steps below to help. Whenever you feel ready, these tips might help you start the conversation:
- Find a method of communication that feels right for you. This might be a face-to-face conversation, or you might find it easier to talk on the phone or write down how you feel in a letter.
- Find a suitable time and place. There may not be a 'good' time, but it can help if you're somewhere quiet and comfortable, and are unlikely to be disturbed for a while.
- Practice what you want to say. You could do this in your head or make some notes. Phrases such as "I've not been feeling like myself lately" or "I'm finding it hard to cope at the moment" might provide a starting point.
- Offer them relevant information and examples. If you've found a useful description in a book or online, or seen someone on television or in a film saying something that feels right to you, you could use this to help explain what you're experiencing.
- Be honest and open. It can sometimes feel uncomfortable sharing something so personal, but explaining how your feelings are affecting your life may help others to understand.
How do I make myself feel happy?
It is important to take care of yourself and to always try and feel good about yourself. The information below outlines some strategies to help:
Mindful Resources:
https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-for-children-kids-activities/
https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/
What if one of my friends needs assistance?
If you are in a situation where have a friend that you know is in danger or at risk, you must contact either school staff, notify your parents or contact the Police directly by dialling 999.
If your friend tells you that they do not want assistance or does not want to share anything with you, please do share with a member of staff. The only way they will be able to get help is by you helping out. If you are unsure, please call one of the safeguarding officers or see your Head of School.
I am concerned about a family member
Sometimes we can have concerns in relation to one of our family members. If it is in relation to the person that looks after you and you feel worried about them, come and speak to a member of staff in school. If it is in the holidays, please give a member of the safeguarding team a call.
If you are concerned about a sibling, speak to your parents or a trusted family member.
I have experienced abuse in education
The Department for Education has commissioned the NSPCC to establish a dedicated independent helpline for people who have experienced abuse in education across the UK. The Report Abuse in Education helpline comes after a high number of anonymous testimonials were submitted to the Everyone’s Invited website, documenting abuse in all types of schools, colleges, and universities.
The helpline went live on 1st April 2021, and will provide both children and adults who have experienced sexual abuse in schools across the UK with support and advice, including onward action such as contacting the police if they wish to. The helpline will also provide support to parents and professionals. Anyone who gets in touch through this dedicated helpline will also be signposted to other relevant support services available, including Childline, which provides ongoing support and counselling to children and young people.
The dedicated and confidential NSPCC helpline – Report Abuse in Education can be reached on 0800 136 663 or by email at help@nspcc.org.uk.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack can happen at any time or place, and because it can happen quite quickly, it might feel unexpected. Because a panic attack is an intense feeling of fear and anxiety, it often happens if you are feeling very anxious about something happening in your life, or you have experienced something difficult or stressful.
Can you think of what these anxieties might be?
Write down your ideas and use these to reflect on what you can do to ensure you are not in a situation where these anxieties/fears can become overwhelming.
If you are happy to, share these thoughts with a friend.
If you are worried about having a panic attack at school, speak to a teacher or a member of staff. They can work with you to help you with things like finding a safe space to take some time out if you are feeling anxious or panicked.
Self Harm
Sometime, some people find it difficult to cope with situations. If you self-harm, you might be dealing with lots of intense thoughts and feelings, and hurting yourself feels like the only way to let those feelings out.
Talking about how you’re feeling with someone you trust can feel like a relief. This person could be a friend, family member, teacher, school counsellor/nurse, or youth worker.
Think about who you feel safe with and how you would feel most comfortable communicating, whether it’s face to face, over the phone, by text or email. Tell someone, speak to someone you trust.
If a friend shares their anxieties with you, tell someone who you trust so that they can help the situation.
It is understandable if you’re worried that no one will understand you, or that people might judge you, but don’t worry, there are lots of trained people at GHS and outside of school who do understand and really care. Professional support can make a massive difference. It is OK to ask for help when you need it. We all need help sometimes, it doesn’t make you weak - in fact reaching out takes bravery and strength.
Please see the sources of help information below.
Suicidal Thoughts
Sometimes people feel so down that they can’t see a way out. Those people are not alone. Lots of people have felt like this and – with help – managed to get through it. However bad a person can feel, there is a lot of help out there. The following 3 organisations are targeted at young people. Please use the sources for help and assistance - they will never turn someone away.
Alternatively, you can share your thoughts or feelings with staff at GHS. See above for the key staff to contact.