Wellbeing and Mental Health Support

At Long Stratton High School, we are proud of the mental health support we provide for our students. On average, three young people in every classroom may be experiencing a mental health issue. This is why we take a proactive and whole-school approach to promoting wellbeing. Our approach involves the entire school community working together to support both pupils and staff. Senior leaders, teachers, support staff, parents, carers, and the wider community all play a vital role. By working collaboratively, we ensure that mental health and wellbeing are embedded within our school’s culture, values, and everyday practices.

If you feel that you or someone else could benefit from wellbeing support, please complete the referral form below. Your referral will be sent directly to the Wellbeing Officer, and a triage appointment will be arranged within two weeks during term time. At this appointment, we will discuss available support and provide guidance on next steps.

Please note that there may be a waiting list before support begins.

Wellbeing Support Referral

What We Do at Long Stratton High School

Whole School Approach

We encourage all students to prioritise their mental wellbeing alongside their physical health. Everyone has mental health; it can be positive, challenging, or, more often, a combination of both and we believe it is important to talk openly about this. Secondary schools play a vital role in supporting young people’s mental health. They are well placed to help students develop strong social and emotional skills, as well as to identify and support those who may be experiencing difficulties. Research shows that rates of mental health difficulties tend to increase as children get older, almost two in ten students aged 11 to 16 have an identifiable mental health condition.

Secondary schools play a vital role in supporting mental health; they are well placed to help students develop strong social and emotional skills, as well as to identify and support those who may be experiencing difficulties. We encourage all students to prioritise their mental wellbeing alongside their physical health. Everyone has mental health it can be positive, challenging, or, more often, a combination of both and we believe it is important to talk about this openly. Research shows that rates of mental health difficulties tend to increase as children grow older, with almost two in ten young people aged 11 to 16 experiencing an identifiable condition, rising to around one in five among those aged 17 to 22.

Wellbeing Support Officer

We are extremely fortunate to have a dedicated Wellbeing Officer within our school, who is also a trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA). Their presence provides vital support for the mental health and emotional wellbeing of our students. They offer a consistent, approachable point of contact for anyone experiencing difficulties, while promoting a culture of openness, understanding, and support across the school community.

Our Wellbeing Officer plays a key role in early intervention, providing one-to-one support tailored to students’ emotional needs through their ELSA expertise. They also signpost students and families to appropriate external services and contribute to the development of whole-school initiatives that foster a positive and inclusive environment. Their work reinforces the importance of mental health and ensures that every student knows support is always available.

Curriculum Integration

We regularly address mental health through assemblies, form time sessions, and PSHE lessons. This consistent approach helps to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and ensure students understand the importance of wellbeing. We also prioritise signposting, making sure students know where and how to access appropriate support when needed.

Collaboration and Best Practice

At our school, we work closely with a wide range of external agencies, charities, and specialist support services to enhance the wellbeing provision available to our pupils. These partnerships give us access to expert guidance, tailored interventions, and valuable resources that strengthen our support within school.

By working collaboratively with external professionals, we ensure our approach is holistic, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of our school community. These connections also enable us to access ongoing training and the latest best practice, ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality support and remain up to date with developments in mental health and wellbeing.

Concerned About a Young Person at Long Stratton?

If you have concerns about a student’s mental health, it is important to approach the situation with care, sensitivity, and discretion. Where appropriate, you may choose to speak directly with the student to offer support. Alternatively, you should feel confident in reaching out to a member of the school’s safeguarding team to share your concerns. Early intervention can make a significant difference, so please do not hesitate to seek advice or escalate any worries through the appropriate channels. Support is available, and acting promptly can help ensure the student receives the help they need.

You can also make a referral to the Wellbeing Officer, either for yourself or on behalf of another, using the link provided.

Wellbeing Support Referral

If you are severely concerned about a pupil’s safety or wellbeing, it is crucial to escalate the matter immediately to a designated safeguarding officer. If unable to do so, go to A&E or call either NHS 111 for urgent mental health or the Police 101, in an emergency 999.

There is 24-hour support available from:

Childline - 0800 11 11
www.childline.org.uk/

The Samaritans – 116 123
Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

Young Minds
www.youngminds.org.uk/

Just One Norfolk - 0300 300 0123
www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/

Kooth
www.kooth.com/

Our school Newsletter is a key source of information for supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing within our community. We encourage you to regularly read the wellbeing sections to stay informed with updates, advice, and useful strategies. As the Newsletter is published half-termly, you can also access our Wellbeing Bulletin via the link below for additional information and ongoing support between editions.

Resources

Supporting young people’s mental health is essential. Below are trusted websites, apps and resources that offer guidance, tools, and support for both students and families.

Websites

Norfolk and Waveney Mind - Mental health charity
Norfolk and Waveney Mind - Home

Young Minds - For information, advice and guidance on mental health
www.youngminds.org.uk

Chathealth Norfolk - Emotional health, self-harm, relationships and loads more!
07480 635060
www.chathealth.nhs.uk

BLAH - For LGBTQ+ young people and those questioning
01603 219299
info@norfolklgbtproject.org.uk
www.theproudtrust.org
BLAH LGBT+ Youth - The Proud Trust

MTM Young carers - Supporting young carers and families
www.youngcarersmatternorfolk.org
info@mtmyouthservices.org.uk

Papyrus - UK charity for the prevention of young suicide
Phone 0800 0684141
Text 07860 039967
www.papyrus-uk.org

OCD-UK - Support and information for those suffering with obsessive compulsive disorder
www.ocduk.org

Beat - Eating disorder charity
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

FYI - Lots of information advice and guidance
www.fyinorfolk.nhs.uk/

Apps

Clear Fear – provides ways for children and young people to manage anxiety.

Calm – to help young people with sleep and meditation

Calm Harm - to help young people who self-harm.

Safespot - Aims to provide young people with access to coping strategies and resources to help better cope with difficult situations. Stress workbooks to work through.

Happify - helps you overcome negative thoughts, stress, and life's challenges

Headspace – Guided meditation and mindfulness to reduce anxiety and improve sleep

Nelsons Journey Smiles and Tears – bereavement app

Smiling Mind – Free mindfulness app, designed for young people