Wellbeing and Mental Health

Pastoral System and the Wren Community

We have an excellent pastoral system at Wren Academy Enfield, which provides support in many ways with regards to students’ emotional, physical and social wellbeing.  When they need guidance, students can speak to their Form Tutor, Head of House or our Chaplain.

Our Restaurant culture, where staff and students share the same space during break and lunchtimes, means that students are able to interact with staff members and feel supported in our community.

Our vertical tutor groups allow students of all year groups to feel at ease speaking with older peers, contributing to our welcoming and inclusive sense of community.


Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Activities

We provide a wide range of enrichment options and extra-curricular activities whereby students are offered the opportunity to both try new things and to express themselves.  Students are able to choose their enrichment at the start of the year based on their personal preferences, allowing them to pursue something they enjoy or find a new passion.  


PSHE Curriculum and Focus Days

Our PSHE Curriculum and Focus Days have been designed to reflect the needs of our students to develop their personal and social wellbeing, whilst also providing the opportunity to learn about a range of other topics that will support them in later life.

Within PSHE lessons and Focus Days, we signpost ways of students accessing further support, for example Childline or Kooth (online counselling service).


Supporting your Child’s Wellbeing at Home

Please encourage your child to look through the ideas below in order to support their wellbeing.


Five Ways to Wellbeing

Do not know where to start in terms of looking after your Wellbeing? Try these five ways:

1.   Connect: by talking to someone

2.   Be Active: by doing some physical activity

3.   Take Notice: by taking some time to notice the environment around you

4.   Learn: by making the most of educational opportunities

5.   Give: by helping others

Some more ideas can be found here:

https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/taking-care-of-yourself/five-ways-to-wellbeing/


Physical Wellbeing

Looking after your physical wellbeing is very important. Here are some tips:

•    Follow proper hygiene routines (shower once a day, brush your teeth morning and night)

•    Get some exercise

•    Eat healthily

•    Get the right amount of sleep (at least 8 hours a night)

•    Never use electronic devices within one hour of going to bed

Check out Teen Sleep for more information:

https://teensleephub.org.uk/teens-young-people/
 

Healthy Diet

Make sure you have a balanced diet, with a good mix of protein, fruit, vegetables and carbohydrates.

•    Do not skip breakfast

•    Drink plenty of water

•    Have healthy snacks like fruit and vegetables

•    Do not have too many sugary foods and drinks

Eight tips on how to have a healthy diet can be found here:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eight-tips-for-healthy-eating/


Self-care

Find something you enjoy doing and set aside some time every day/week to relax. Here are some ideas:

•    Read a book

•    Do some exercise

•    Listen to music

•    Talk to your friends/family

•    Do something creative like drawing/colouring

•    Use the link below for more ideas and tips:

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/self-care/

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/youth-mental-health/


Emotional Wellbeing

As important as it is to look after yourself physically, make sure you are taking time to boost your emotional wellbeing.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, try these things:

•    Talk to a trusted adult (like your parents/carers/teachers)

•    Drawing or writing – this can help you express your feelings

•    Try yoga, meditation or mindfulness exercises

•    Play a game

•    Further ideas can be found on the Childline website:

https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone/


Useful Links

There are safeguarding and key contact details (as below) signposted around the school in common areas around the Academy.

Childline: a free helpline for children and young people, including a confidential telephone counselling service for any child: www.childline.org.uk

Get Connected: a free, confidential telephone and email helpline finding young people the best help, whatever the problem: www.getconnected.org.uk

Samaritans: listen to anyone in any type of emotional distress: www.samaritans.org

Frank: provides confidential advice for anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s drug or solvent misuse: www.talktofrank.com

Stonewall: provides information and advice on local lesbian, gay and bisexual community groups: www.stonewall.org.uk

B-Eat Youth Helpline: provides information, help and support for anyone affected by eating disorders: email fyp@b-eat.co.uk

Children’s Legal Centre: charity that promotes children’s rights and gives legal advice and representation to children and young people: www.lawstuff.org.uk

Youth Access: provides youth information, advice and counselling agencies: www.youthaccess.org.uk

National Domestic Violence Helpline: provides support, information and a listening ear to women and children experiencing domestic abuse: 0800 2000 247

Resources: Click here to view the Parent and Carer Wellbeing Workshop PowerPoint slides