Friday 19th April 2024
Subscribe to the
AcSEED mailing list
This is how we share information and good practices relating to mental health and wellbeing support in schools and colleges
What's New
Sherborne House Accreditation
16th January 2024
Sherborne House School in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire receive AcSEED Award
The AcSEED Newsletter
28th July 2022
AcSEED Newsletter for July 2022
UK Government blog
21st July 2022
What we are doing to improve the mental health of children and young people
AcSEED at MHW Show 2022
11th May 2022
AcSEED were a presenter and exhibitor at the Mental Health and Wellbeing show in Cardiff on 10th May 2022
Wistaston Accreditation
25th April 2022
Wistaston Church Lane Academy in Crewe, Cheshire receive AcSEED Award
Gorse Hall Accreditation
7th April 2022
Gorse Hall Primary and Nursery School in Stalybridge, Cheshire receive AcSEED Award
Crosby High Accreditation
7th April 2022
Crosby High School in Crosby, Merseyside receive AcSEED Award
St Olave's Accreditation
1st April 2022
St Olave's Grammer School in Orpington, Kent receive AcSEED Award
St Paul's Accreditation
19th August 2021
St Paul's Church of England Primary School in Stalybridge, Cheshire receive AcSEED Award
The AcSEED Newsletter
14th December 2020
AcSEED Newsletter for December 2020
On-line Wellbeing Support
11th December 2020
Kooth: An on-line Mental Health Support Platform
Mental Health in Schools Conference
11th November 2020
Report from the Westminster Insight conference on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools
Fairfield Road Accreditation
20th October 2020
Fairfield Road Primary School receive AcSEED Award
Newport Girls' get AcSEED Award
31st August 2020
Congratulations to Newport Girls' High School in Shropshire ...
First AcSEED Wellbeing Centre
25th June 2019
Trinity School and College opens the first AcSEED Wellbeing Centre
Supporting your Child
How can you best support your child when they are struggling with their mental health? This list of best practice suggestions is based on the experiences and opinions of The AcSEED Volunteers. If you have other ideas from your experiences then please share your suggestions.
Share your concerns
It's important to understand that children are often reluctant to discuss difficulties with their parents/guardians. They may feel embarrassed, ashamed, and perhaps worried about potential concequences. Sharing your concerns can provide an opportunity for your child to share their feelings with you, but don't pressure them to do so. They will talk when they are ready, and you need to be ready to listen.
Step back from the emotions of the situation
A child suffering emotional or mental health difficulties can cause significant stress for parents/guardians. However their situation will be helped most if you can engage them in discussion with a rational and non-judgemental perspective.
Get help/support for yourself
When a young person experiences mental illness don't underestimate the impact this can have on your emotional and physical health. Your GP will be able to discuss the services that are available to support your needs.
Give yourself time out
If your child has mental health problems you can quickly find yourself devoting all your time towards supporting their recovery. Whilst this is an understandable reaction, it is also important to recognise that you need to maintain your own health in order to best support your child. Remaining active and pursuing hobbies also provides a positive example of constructive behaviours to your child.
Avoid attributing blame to yourself or others
Seeking to attribute blame will not bring any constructive benefits to improving the situation. Remember that your child may be suffering from low self-esteem and feelings of intense guilt which will not be helped focussing attention on likely causes.
Educate yourself
Mental health problems often have complex and multi-dimensional causes, and resulting behaviours such as self harm can be difficult to understand. Your ability to support your child can be significantly improved by leaning about the nature and symptoms of their difficulties. Talk to your GP and other relevant health professionals. Search for information on the internet. And don't forget to ask your child about how they feel.
