At Redborne we strongly believe that positive mental health and wellbeing are vital for our young people to thrive and succeed during their time with us. Students are then better able to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, fulfil their own potential and contribute to their wider community.
Mental health fluctuates in the same way that physical health does.  Feelings of worry and anxiety are normal, and we all experience them from time to time. However, when worry, sadness or anxiety start to interfere with everyday life, young people may need support to help them deal with the feelings.  

• Students are encouraged to make contact with their form tutor or year team where the member of staff can discuss with them what support may be available and be most appropriate. 
• Students are also encouraged to take responsibility for seeking out ways in which they can support themselves and may be signposted to engage with online support and additional external services where this is appropriate.
• For those who require more targeted emotional support and guidance or who are experiencing a time of crisis, our pastoral teams can make a referral to a number of services, including the school nursing team, MHST (Mental Health Support Team, part of CAMHS), CAMHS or our own school counsellor.

Parents and Carers:

At Redborne, we understand that raising teenagers can be a challenging role. Hormone changes, peer pressure, heightened emotions, and mood swings can be difficult to navigate. In line with our school values, we recognise that we have a responsibility to support our children and young people, and to communicate clearly with parents and carers in order to support our Redborne families.  We are always ready to signpost parents/ carers to support agencies and have put together some information below.  If you wish to speak to someone about help with supporting your child, then please contact your child’s form tutor or year team.  If you have concerns that your child is at risk of harm, then please contact our safeguarding team.

Teenagers naturally gravitate towards certain behaviours, so it's good to remember that:

• Conflict is normal.
• Young people need clear guidelines and boundaries.
• Listening to and respecting their views doesn’t mean you have to agree with them.
• Showing an interest in what your teenager enjoys at home and at school helps to break down barriers.
• Spending time together will be remembered later in life
• Young people sometimes need space. 
• Young people need encouragement.

Click here to find resources and advice on safeguarding, mental health, sleep problems, online safety, anxiety and more. These are designed specifically for parents and carers, and new topics are added regularly.

CAMHS Mental Health Support Team (MHST):

The Mental Health Support Team (MHST) offers a service for young people to obtain advice and self-help resources at an early stage for problems that affect their emotional wellbeing. Working with us here at Redborne, they aim to:

• Deliver evidence based interventions for mild to moderate mental health issues.
• Give advice and provide training to school staff to help children and young people to get the right support during their time in education.
• There are school and student referral routes into the MHST, and all support is provided in school, during the school day.

The MHST has also produced padlets of signposted support for mental health.  There is one for students and one for parents and carers. Please access as appropriate and contact us if you need help.  In addition to support agencies, there are links to events and a chance to give feedback on the support offered - including suggestions for improvements.

Targeted and Crisis Support:

For more direct information, please consider contacting one of the following:

• Your GP- Many GP surgeries in England offer counselling and therapy services for mental health issues. If your surgery doesn't offer these services, your GP can refer you to another service.
• Bedford Open Door Free counselling for young people aged 13-25 years.
• Sorted Free, confidential, one-to-one counselling to support young people aged 10-25.
• Winston’s Wish Grief support for young people.
• Bright Paths Online support and mentoring for teenagers.
• Shout   Free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.Crisis support services:

Please note these are not crisis services. 

For crisis enquiries please contact the agencies below or attend A&E if you are concerned about serious and immediate risk to a child or young person:

• NHS Every Mind Matters (expert advice and practical tips) 111 option 2
• SAMARITANS 24/7 Listening support 116 123
• SANELINE (6pm-11pm) Emotional support and advice 0300 304 7000
• Childline Listening support and tele-counselling 0800 1111