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Support for Parents and Carers

There is a wide range of support organisations for parents, carers as well as young people themselves focused on keeping children safe.  This page provide signposts to some of these organisations and a summary of the aims and services they offer. Under the Mental Health section we set out the  school-based support that we can offer as well as other support agencies.

NSPCC and Childline

NSPCC is a national organisation that provides support and tips to help keep children safe. From advice on children’s mental health to staying safe online, support for parents and what to do if you’re worried about a child.  You can contact the NSPCC helpline for support and advice for free.  Their helpline is open Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm or 9am – 6pm at the weekends – 0808 8005000.

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/

Childline is a national organisation that has targeted support for under 19s with any issue they’re going through including bullying, abuse, my body, home and families, your feelings, friends, relationship & sex, school and college.  Their helpline is open every day from 9am to midnight – 0800 1111.

https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/

NSPCC helpline:  Report Abuse in Education The NSPCC launched on 1 April 2021 a new helpline, Report Abuse in Education.  Working with the Department for Education (DfE), who have commissioned this initiative, they will run the bespoke helpline to provide appropriate support and advice to victims of abuse and harassment, and concerned adults, including onward action such as contacting the police if they wish to.  Our new NSPCC helpline, Report Abuse in Education, will launch on 1 April. Working with the Department for Education (DfE), who have commissioned us on this initiative, we will run the bespoke helpline to provide appropriate support and advice to victims of abuse and harassment, and concerned adults, including onward action such as contacting the police if they wish to.  Report Abuse in Education helpline:  Young people and adults can call 0800 136 663 or email help@nspcc.org.uk Further information is available on their website: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/news/2021/april/sexual-abuse-in-education-helpline-launched

 

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Contents

1. Mental Health

2. Sexual Health and Relationships

3. Family Support

4. Online safety for your child

5. Drug, Alcohol and Gamer/Gambling support 

6. General Youth Organisations

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1. Mental Health______________________________________________

As a school our aim is to support the holistic development of all students. Part of this includes taking care of their mental health. With the reduction of the stigma surrounding mental health and more openness about the subject we are finding more students will talk when they are struggling.  There has been a significant rise in students identifying with mental health concerns in the last four years from 1 in 9 in 2017 to 1 in 6 in the last NHS measure in 2022.

There are three levels of school-based support within this and these are set out in our guidance booklet along with other information on other support agencies:-

JMHS Mental Health guidance booklet

The CLD Trust (including Strong Young Minds)

John Masefield High School is working in partnership with The CLD Trust to support student’s mental health and wellbeing during their time in our school. The CLD trust is a local charity specialising in providing counselling, low and high intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and systemic family practice. The CLD Trust supports schools and colleges with their whole school approach to improving and caring for students and staffs mental health and wellbeing, through the provision of training and access to therapy. The CLD trust’s counselling service is accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and they are also a member of NHS England’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme. The CLD Trust works with GP’s and other health professionals to improve mental health and wellbeing and help enable students to make the most of their school experience and to achieve their full potential. Therapists from the trust use nationally recognised routine outcome monitoring tools to ensure effective practice and all staff are fully qualified and receive case management and supervision. In John Masefield High School we have a counsellor on site and and therefore able to refer students who would benefit from supplementary help and support, in addition to the pastoral approaches provided by JMHS. More information can be found about the trust on https://www.thecldtrust.org/and https://www.thesymproject.org/

The CLD Trust launched Strong Young Minds (SYM project) in November 2015.  Strong Young Minds is a Big Lottery funded project designed to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Herefordshire. The SYM Project is for young people (10 – 24 yrs) who are disenfranchised, distressed, unemployed, at risk of social isolation, poor achievement & ill health, due to poor mental health and wellbeing.  They work with young people to address issues which can have an adverse effect on their mental health & wellbeing, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self harm, bullying, cyberbullying, relationship breakdown, employability, low self esteem, body image & loss.  Referrals to the project can be made via their website.

Kooth
Kooth is a new, anonymous, confidential, safe, online mental wellbeing service offering counselling, information and forums for young people, aged 11 to 18 years.  Young people can have a “drop-in” chat with a counsellor or therapist or book a one-to-one session. Kooth’s counsellors and therapists are available every day of the year from 12pm until 10pm Monday to Friday and 6pm to 12pm Saturday and Sunday.  You can log on by smartphone, laptop or tablet: https://www.kooth.com/

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Mental Health Services helpline

Whether you experience a sudden deterioration of an existing mental health problem or are experiencing problems for the first time, you may need immediate expert support to identify the best course of action to help you.  If you are already being supported by Mental Health Services in Herefordshire or Worcestershire, you should try and speak to your usual team before contacting the urgent helpline, unless it’s outside of core hours, a weekend or bank holiday.

If you are not currently in contact with any Mental Health Services you can phone the mental health helpline for urgent advice:

0808 196 9127 (free phone 24 hrs a day 365 days a year)

The team will offer advice, support and, if required, an assessment to understand how you are feeling. When calling the number, you can expect to speak to Mental Health Advisors and/or trained Mental Health Clinicians who will be able to listen to your concerns and help make appropriate plans with you to support you.  If you are unsure what to do, staff on this number will be able to guide you to the appropriate choice.

Other options:

• Use the NHS111 online help service or phone NHS111 if you need urgent help for your mental health, but it’s not an emergency
• Visit www.nowweretalking.nhs.uk for information on the range of mental health and wellbeing support available across both counties
• Search for an urgent mental health helpline in your area”

NHS
The NHS has a number of apps to help with anxiety, mindfulness, breathing and relaxation for you and your children:
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/filter/?categories=Mental%20health

Every Mind Matters
Explains mental health problems and different ways to get support; looks at ways to develop your own Mind Plan & manage areas such as stress, anxiety , boost your mood, improve sleep
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Harmless
http://www.harmless.org.uk/ – Harmless was established at the beginning of October 2007 to respond to the needs of people who are at risk of self-harm and suicide. It is a national voluntary organisation for people who self harm, their friends, families and professionals. Harmless also has an advisory group, comprised of people who have personal and professional experience of self harm. The advisory group is consulted about developments with Harmless, and help them to develop a service that is responsive to what people need.

Anorexia and Bulimia care
https://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/tribute/make-a-difference – For over 25 years, ABC has provided personal care and support for anyone affected by anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and all types of eating distress.  They also educate, train and advise those caring for sufferers as well as carrying out preventative education and strive to promote research into eating disorders and research into treatment and/or cures and to publish the results.

Beating Eating Disorders (BEAT)
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk – National charity helping people with eating disorders, offering 1 to 1, group and webchat support.
General helpline: 0808 801 0677     Youth line: 0808 801 0711    Student line: 0808 801 0811

Herefordshire Mind
https://www.herefordshire-mind.org.uk/  – Herefordshire Mind, your local mental health charity. They believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. They are here for you, whether you’re stressed, depressed or worried about someone else. They’ll listen, give support, and fight your corner. We provide a range of services such as support at home and in the community, supported housing and other support groups around mental health and well being.

DistrACT / The Mix
https://www.themix.org.uk – The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. They aim to help young people take on any challenge they’re facing – from mental health (including help around self harm and suicidal thoughts) to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to them via their online community, on social, through their free, confidential helpline or their counselling service.

Get Self Help
www.getselfhelp.co.uk –  Huge site where you can find explanations, exercises and worksheets on virtually every mental health problem affecting young people or adults; uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and provides a good overview of what CBT is about and its aims and how it may support you.

The following apps and programs offer between them a range of mindfulness, sleep improvement and meditation type programs that may be of benefit to young people. Please note mental health apps are an aid in treatment but do not replace it.

Calmharm  (UK charity on children & young people’s mental health) https://calmharm.co.uk

Clearfear  (Free app to help with managing anxiety) https://www.clearfear.co.uk

Headspace  (Guidance & training in mindfulness) https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app

MeeTwo  (Helps teenagers to talk about difficult things)  https://www.meetwo.co.uk

MindfulGnats (Helps young people develop mindfulness and relaxation skills) https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mindful-gnats/id973919092

MindShift (Canadian app with advice managing anxiety and depression) https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/new-mindshift-cbt-app-gives-canadians-free-anxiety-relief/

MoodGym (Interactive program to help with low mood)  https://moodgym.com.au

Recharge-move well, sleep well, be well (Program to help improve mood and energy levels) https://apps.apple.com/au/app/recharge-move-well-sleep-well-be-well/id878026126

Sleepio  (online sleep improvement programme) https://www.sleepio.com

Smiling minds  (Australian app-based meditation programme)  https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/smiling-mind/id560442518

 

2. Sexual Health and Relationships_____________________________

Disrespect Nobody
https://www.disrespectnobody.co.uk/ – Website looks into sexting, relationship abuse, consent, rape, harassment.

Healthy relationships are all about respecting each other. You should feel loved, safe and free to be yourself.  Relationships can be confusing and it can be difficult to understand what is and isn’t normal behaviour.

But disrespectful and unacceptable behaviour can come in many forms. It isn’t limited to just physical behaviour; it can also go way beyond that. For example, it’s not OK for someone to try and pressure you into sending a nude pic, or to expect the same things to happen that they’ve seen in a porn film. If someone makes you do something you don’t want to, makes you feel scared, intimidated or tries controlling you, it’s not acceptable and is never OK.

Sexual Health Services 4 Herefordshire
https://sexualhealthservices4herefordshire.co.uk/under-25s/ – They provide free and confidential sexual health services from our easily accessible new clinic. This includes information and advice on all types of contraception and STI testing and treatment. Our service is confidential, non-judgemental and for people of all ages, genders and orientations.

Brook
https://www.brook.org.uk/ – Free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing experts  that use innovative clinical services, digital support, tailored counselling and advice.  Brook are committed to changing attitudes, challenging prejudices and championing equality so that all young people can lead happy, healthy lives.  Being a young person can be tough.

3.  Family Support_____________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.  Bereavement support
The following organisations offer support for young people and families locally and or nationally , with  bereavement.

St Michaels Hospice  https://www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/

Cruse  https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/local-services/west-midlands/herefordshire

Pheonix  https://directory.childbereavementuk.org/organisation/phoenix-bereavement-support-services-hereford/

Child bereavement UK  https://www.childbereavementuk.org/

Winstons Wish  https://www.winstonswish.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjcLdo_y66gIV6YBQBh1BUA46EAAYASAAEgJsTvD_BwE

b.  Domestic Abuse

The Hideout  https://thehideout.org.uk/
A website created by national charity, Women’s Aid, to help young people and children understand domestic abuse and how to take positive action if it happens to you.  There is also information on the site for adults about domestic violence and the effect it has on children and young people.

West Midlands rape and sexual abuse centre  https://www.wmrsasc.org.uk/

West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) is a free, confidential and non-judgemental support service for individuals who have experienced any kind of rape, sexual violence, sexual abuse or sexual assault at any time in their lives.

c.  Other areas of support for families

Homestart http://www.home-startherefordshire.co.uk/about-us/
They aim to help local families build better lives for their children by recruiting, training and supervising volunteers who offer support, friendship and practical help to families experiencing difficulties. They aim to provide support across the county and to all families referred to us.  The difficulties their families experience are often complex and reflect the issues facing families identified in county research:

• Challenging and anti-social behaviour
• Mental health issues affecting both parents and children
• Children in poverty
• Domestic abuse
• School absenteeism and low academic achievement
• Substance abuse
• Overcrowded housing conditions

Parents Against Hate  https://educateagainsthate.com/ (parents section)
The purpose of this website is to provide practical advice, support and resources to protect children from extremism and radicalisation.  Anyone can be vulnerable to extremism and radicalisation, but children are particularly at risk. As they grow and become more independent, it is not unusual for them to take risks, explore new things and push boundaries. Teenage years are often a time when young people will be searching for answers to questions about identity, faith and belonging, as well as looking for adventure and excitement. Extremist groups know young people are vulnerable and may claim to offer them answers, identity and a strong social network, and using the internet and social media to spread their ideology.

Young carers support  https://www.wisherefordshire.org/looking-after-someone/young-carers/#:~:text=Herefordshire%20Council%20has%20a%20Young,other%20organisations%20which%20can%20help.

ACT (Action counters terroism)  https://act.campaign.gov.uk/
If you’ve seen or heard something that could potentially be related to terrorism, trust your instincts and report it. Your actions could save lives.  It only takes a moment to make a report online.  In an emergency, or if you need urgent police assistance, you should always dial 999.  You can also report suspicious activity by contacting the police in confidence on 0800 789 321.  Every year thousands of reports from the public help the police keep communities safe from terrorism.

Lets Talk about it  https://www.ltai.info/staying-safe-online/
Radicalisation: There are many different types of individuals, organisations and institutions that may be targeted by extremist groups.  They may try to take advantage of these individuals or institutions as a way to share their story with others, particularly with people who may be vulnerable to their messages.  Let’s Talk About It advocates the value of a strong and united community, prioritising the need for consistent awareness of the threat of radicalisation to become a part of our daily lives.

Hope Support  http://www.hopesupport.org.uk/
Hope are here to help young people aged 11 and over through a family health crisis. There are different ways of getting our support but wherever you live, Hope has something for you. We support young people when a close family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, such as cancer. Led by two Y-Teams, we’re a truly youth-led service.

Herefordshire Wish  https://www.wisherefordshire.org/children-and-families/support-for-parents-and-families/parenting-courses/
A large database of organisations working locally including the availability and provision of parenting courses in the county

Child to Parent Abuse Support: https://www.pegsupport.co.uk/about 
Parent Educational Growth Support (PEGS) was created in 2019 in response to a lack of support available for both parents experiencing Child to Parent Abuse, and professionals who are working with families where CPA has been identified or is suspected. Link her to guidance booklet:  PEGS Child to Parent Abuse booklet

 

4.  Online safety for your child____________________________________ 

Think u Know
The presentation linked below has been developed by the CEOP Education Team at the National Crime Agency (NCA). Thinkuknow is the national education programme from NCA-CEOP, dedicated to keeping children safe from sexual abuse and exploitation both online and offline

NCA-CEOP is a multi-disciplinary child protection centre, staffed by law enforcement officers, social workers, education officers, intelligence officers, child psychologists and many more.

Parents and carers should visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents for further information and advice on supporting their child to be safe online.

Thinkuknow Presentation: Protecting your child from sexual abuse online

MM Guardian   https://www.mmguardian.com/uk
A secure phone app which when installed allows parents to monitor the use of mobile devices. The app allows you to monitor and control with alerts for inappropriate pictures, and messages related to cyberbullying, violence, suicidal thoughts, drugs and more.

Safers School  https://oursaferschools.co.uk/
The safer schools app is currently freely available for all parents and students at JMHS . It provides updated information and alerts on a range of online safety topics. Please contact your Year Leader for further details.

Childnet  https://www.childnet.com/
Working directly with children and young people from the ages of 3 to 18 on a weekly basis, as well as parents, carers, teachers and professionals, finding out about their real experiences online, and the positive things they are doing as well as sharing safety advice.

Parent zone  https://parentinfo.org/
Parent Info is a website for parents, covering all of the issues amplified by the internet. Its newsfeed function enables schools and family-focused organisations to host and share expert advice and information through their own websites.  Parent Zone are the experts in digital family life. They provide support and information to parents, children and schools, working globally to help families navigate the internet safely and confidently.

NSPCC: On line safety  https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety
The leading children’s charity in the UK, specialising in child protection and dedicated to protecting children today to prevent abuse tomorrow. The only UK children’s charity with statutory powers, which means they can take action to safeguard children at risk of abuse.  Advise on a range  of things,from setting up parental controls to advice on sexting, online games and video apps.

Safer internet  https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers
Provides online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.

Internet Watch Foundation  https://report.iwf.org.uk/en
Anonymously and confidentially report images and videos related to child abuse Reporting is quick, easy and anonymous and it can lead to the rescue of a child victim from further abuse.

5.  Drug, Alcohol and Gamer/Gambling Support Organisations__________________________

Talk to Frank
https://www.talktofrank.com/ Launched by the Home Office to encourage young people to talk,  FRANK offers information about the harms of drugs.  Teenagers are encouraged to reconsider what they know about drugs and where to find reliable information about the risks.

We are with you (formerly addaction)
https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/   Provides free, confidential support to people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health. Operate locally.

Rehab4Addiction
https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/  Imparting advice for people seeking drug and alcohol rehab clinics in the UK.

Young Gamers and Gambling (YGAM)
https://parents.ygam.org/about-ygam-parent-hub/  The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) is a national charity with a social purpose to inform, educate and safeguard young and vulnerable people, helping them build resilience and understand the potential harms caused by gambling and gaming.  Parents can often feel overwhelmed in a world of constantly advancing technology and YGAM is keen to provide simple, usable resources to help parents have honest and open conversations with their children around the topics of gaming and gambling.

6.  General Youth Organisations___________________________________

No Wrong Door
http://www.hvoss.org.uk/categories/young-people-and-youth-groups/no-wrong-door-project.aspx
A local organisation designed by young people and practitioners, No Wrong Door (NWD) provides a focal point to access help with information, support and guidance services, including mental health and wellbeing, drug and alcohol cessation, family crises and lets young people (aged 11 – 25 yrs) in Herefordshire know what’s going on.  Open weekdays from 9.30am to 5.00pm.

Barnados
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do – A national charity that aims to protect, support and nurture the UK’s most vulnerable children.  Their website has a range of information and signposts to their services.

The Mix
https://www.themix.org.uk/    The Mix is the one of the UK’s leading support service for young people. They 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 them on confidential helplines or online.

The Children’s Society
https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/our-services/climb  – A leading UK charity which  campaigns and offers support and information on a wide range of childhood issues including mental health, child poverty and exploitation.