Mental Health and Wellbeing
Here at Thurston Community College, we believe that communities with good mental health will thrive and be more resilient in the face of challenges. Equipping our young people with skills and strategies to manage their mental health will aid success in their academic studies and into their adult life. We are committed to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing for our students and staff utilising a whole school approach.
Within school we offer the following support:
- A whole school ethos on promoting positive wellbeing and resilience amongst students and staff.
- Students can access their Student Support Manager or Year Team in a dedicated area for support.
- ‘The Mix Wellbeing Hub’ for students to access advice and support throughout the day.
- ‘Mental Health On Call’ - staff who are available every day to respond to students around school struggling with their emotional wellbeing.
- 1:1 and group work sessions for students on topics such as anxiety, self esteem and self harm.
- Training for staff on identifying mental health needs and how to access support early.
- Signposting and referrals to external services if the student requires further input.
- Closer links with external support services for when students require additional support.
- Student ‘Wellbeing Ambassadors’ who promote positive mental health, reduce stigma and provide peer on peer support around the college.
External services within school:
School Nursing Service
- Offer a drop in once a week in school for students to access health advice.
- Offer ChatHealth text service
Mental Health Support Team (MHST)
- Come into school to provide 1:1 or group work sessions for young people struggling with their mental health.
- By referral only.
The Mix Wellbeing Hub
- A dedicated area within school students can access for support as and when they need it and gain advice.
- A worker from ‘The Mix’ in Suffolk will be based here in school 3 days a week.
Other local services:
The Mix
- The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via our online community, on social, through our free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.
Suffolk 4YP
- Through advice, guidance and practical support we help young people develop the skills and knowledge to lead healthier, happier, safer and more resilient lifestyles. We give young people the confidence to make better informed choices and enable them to reach their full potential.
The Source
- The Source website has been created to provide information, advice and sources of support to young people in Suffolk – when they need it, on a range of issues that impact their lives.
Emotional Wellbeing Hub
- The Emotional Wellbeing Hub provides information, advice, and guidance to families and young people in East and West Suffolk, who are worried about the mental health of a child or young person aged 0-25 years, or if you're a young person experiencing emotional wellbeing difficulties.
- Call the Emotional Wellbeing Hub helpline on 0345 600 2090 and press option 3.
Urgent Mental Health Support
- Call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support, for anyone of any age.
- If it's a life-threatening emergency call 999 or go to A&E.
Workshops for parents:
- The Parent Workshop Programme offers free 1 hour Mental Health workshops for parents and carers, offering support, advice and guidance on how best to support a child or young persons emotional health and wellbeing.
- Coming up: Building Resilience, Supporting Young People with Anxiety, Supporting Young People Manage Big Feelings, Supporting Young People with Sleep (11+ years), Supporting Young People with Eating Difficulties.
Apps, Websites and Information:
Mental Health Resource Pack for Parents
Adult Mental Health Support:
If you are in crisis and need the emergency service, please dial 999. If you need additional support, please contact your GP or the Samaritans on 116 123
Suffolk Wellbeing
- Wellbeing Suffolk provide a range of support for people with common mental health and emotional issues, such as low mood, depression or stress. We work with you to help you make the necessary changes to improve your wellbeing and quality of life. Our services are free and are available for people aged 16 or over.
- Access via GP, phoning 0300 123 1503 or self-referral using this form:
Suffolk Mind
- Provides support on their website.
- Mental health, employment support, counselling.
- 0300 111 6000
- Cruse Bereavement Care is charity providing information and support after someone you know has died.
- Telephone: 0808 808 1677
Turning Point Suffolk Recovery Service
- If you or a family member or friend need advice about substance misuse or would like to make a referral into treatment:
- Email suffolk@turning-point.co.uk
- phone 0300 123 0872
Samaritans
- 24/7 telephone support.
- Call free on 116 123
TCC Wellbeing Newsletter
Podcasts
Podcast - Emotionally Based School Avoidance
News