Parents and Pupils

Wellbeing for Pupils

Welcome to the Wellbeing Corner! Here at Elements Academy, we believe that taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as your academic success. This section is dedicated to providing you with resources, tips, and support to help you thrive in all aspects of your life.

Whether you’re feeling stressed about exams, struggling with friendships, or simply need someone to talk to, we’re here to help. Our trained counsellors and support staff are available to provide confidential support and guidance whenever you need it.

In this section, you’ll find:

Tips for managing stress and anxiety
Advice on building healthy relationships and communication skills
Resources for promoting positive self-esteem and body image
Information on mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Guidance on seeking help and accessing support services

Remember, your wellbeing matters, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. So take some time to explore the resources available here, and remember that you’re not alone on your journey to wellbeing.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork, exams, or other responsibilities is normal, but it’s essential to have healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and anxiety effectively. Here are some tips to help you navigate stressful situations:

Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation to calm your mind
Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed
Make time for regular physical activity, such as going for a walk or doing yoga, to reduce stress levels
Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling, whether it’s a friend, family member, or school counsellor
Prioritize self-care activities like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and taking breaks when needed

Building Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships are essential for your overall wellbeing. Whether it’s with friends, family members, or romantic partners, here are some tips for building and maintaining positive relationships:

Communicate openly and honestly with others, expressing your thoughts and feelings respectfully
Practice active listening by paying attention to what others are saying and validating their experiences
Set boundaries to protect your emotional and physical well-being, and respect the boundaries of others
Resolve conflicts peacefully by finding common ground and seeking compromises
Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you, and avoid toxic relationships that drain your energy

Promoting Positive Self-Esteem

Feeling good about yourself is essential for your mental and emotional wellbeing. Here are some tips for promoting positive self-esteem and body image:

Focus on your strengths and accomplishments, rather than dwelling on perceived shortcomings
Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during challenging times
Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations and empowering beliefs
Take care of your physical health by engaging in activities that make you feel good, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time outdoors
Surround yourself with supportive people who value and appreciate you for who you are

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help you manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve your overall wellbeing. Here are some practices to try:

Mindful breathing: Take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth, focusing on the sensation of each breath
Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and then relax each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head
Guided imagery: Imagine yourself in a peaceful, relaxing place, such as a beach or a forest, and visualize the sights, sounds, and sensations around you
Mindful walking: Take a slow, deliberate walk, paying attention to each step you take and the sensations in your body as you move
Body scan meditation: Bring awareness to each part of your body, starting from your toes and moving up to your head, noticing any sensations or tension you may be holding

Seeking Help and Accessing Support Services

It’s okay to ask for help when you’re struggling with your mental or emotional health. Here are some resources and support services available to you:

School counselling services: Our trained counsellors are available to provide confidential support and guidance to help you navigate challenges and develop coping skills.

Crisis lines

YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: Provides free, 24/7 support for young people in crisis by text message. Text YM to 85258.
Childline: Offers confidential support and advice for children and young people up to age 19 on a range of issues, including mental health. Call 0800 1111.
Samaritans: Provides emotional support to people in distress, including young people, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 116 123.
The Mix: Offers support, advice, and information for young people aged 25 and under on a range of issues, including mental health. Call 0808 808 4994.
Papyrus Hopeline UK: Offers confidential support and advice to young people under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, as well as to those who are concerned about a young person. Call 0800 068 4141.
Shout: Provides free, confidential support via text message for anyone in crisis. Text SHOUT to 85258.
Kooth: Offers online mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 11-25, including online counseling. Visit the Kooth website for more information.
Mind Infoline: Provides information and signposting on a range of mental health topics for anyone in need of support. Call 0300 123 3393.

Apps

Headspace: Offers guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Calm: Provides meditation sessions, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques to improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
Smiling Mind: Offers mindfulness and meditation programs designed specifically for children and teenagers.
MindShift: Designed for teens and young adults, this app offers strategies to cope with anxiety, stress, and panic attacks.
MoodMission: Provides personalized coping strategies and activities to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
SuperBetter: A gaming app that helps users build resilience and tackle challenges through quests and power-ups.
What’s Up?: Offers tools and techniques based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
Clear Fear: Designed for teenagers, this app provides tools and techniques to manage symptoms of anxiety.

Websites

YoungMinds: Offers information, advice, and support for young people’s mental health, including articles, resources, and a crisis messenger service.
MindMate: Provides resources and information about mental health for young people, including self-help tools, articles, and stories from other young people.
Childline: Provides confidential support and advice for children and young people on a range of issues, including mental health, through online chat, phone, and email.
CAMHS Resources: Provides resources and information about mental health and wellbeing for children and young people, including self-help guides and videos.
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families: Offers resources, information, and support for children, young people, and families on a range of mental health topics.
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: Provides free, 24/7 support for young people in crisis by text message.

Remember, you’re not alone, and there are people and resources available to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help or guidance. Your wellbeing matters, and we’re here to help you thrive.