Dear Parents/Carers
As we look forward to Christmas we recognise that alongside the excitement and anticipation, Christmas can also be a time of increased stress and anxiety, especially for parents.
We have been hugely impressed with the way in which our students have coped with the challenges of 2020 and the maturity and resilience with which they have approached the last term. However, we also know that some of our young people have found the last few months very difficult and may be feeling anxious at this time of year.
In view of the unusual circumstances we all find ourselves in this Christmas, please find attached some information about help and support available over the festive period. We hope that the information here about mental health and wellbeing is helpful in these uncertain times.
There are lots of resources online that provide information and support for young people with mental health issues or who are feeling stressed or low. Kooth is an online counselling service for young people which provides online 1:1 counselling with a trained therapist. In addition, over the next few weeks, Kooth are hosting live forums on their website, which young people can access by heading to www.kooth.com on the dates below from 7:30-9.00pm:
- Wednesday 23 December – Holiday Social Takeover!
- Monday 28 December – Reflecting on Positives from 2020
The Think Ninja app is another great resource for teenagers to learn strategies to manage their wellbeing and find support through live chat with professionals and through signposting. The app, previously only available through an NHS referral has now been made free to all young people due to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic and is highly regarded by mental health professionals.
Chill Panda may appeal to our younger students and features a variety of games to promote wellbeing and mindfulness.
Where online support is not appropriate, there are several telephone support services available too.
I hope that Christmas is a happy time for you and your families but if you do have any concerns about a child’s welfare in the coming weeks, the contact number for Cumbria Safeguarding Hub is 03332 401 727. In addition, the Cumbria Safeguarding Children’s Partnership website is aimed at parents, carers and guardians and provides information regarding safeguarding and related matters:
https://cumbriasafeguardingchildren.co.uk/LSCB/parents/tiles.asp
Wishing you very best wishes for Christmas and a safe and happy new year.
Yours faithfully
Mrs F Richardson
Assistant Headteacher