Support for pupils, families and staff
Wellbeing and Mental Health
At Westwood Academy, we understand that wellbeing and mental health are important parts of learning, relationships and everyday life.
We have brought together a range of trusted sources of information and support for children and young people, parents, carers and staff. This list is not exhaustive, but it offers a useful starting point for finding advice, practical resources and professional help.
Urgent support
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
If you need urgent mental health support but it is not an emergency, call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service. You will be connected to the right support for your needs.
Support for children and young people
Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters provides practical advice and simple self-care tools to help young people manage stress, anxiety, low mood and sleep.
Its mental wellbeing tips for young people include videos and ideas to support coping skills, social media use and emotional wellbeing.
Place2Be
Place2Be provides mental health support, counselling and resources for children, young people, families and schools.
Their Parenting Smart resource offers practical advice for parents and carers on topics such as worries, friendships, behaviour, change and emotional wellbeing.
Mentally Healthy Schools
Mentally Healthy Schools provides practical resources to support children and young people’s emotional wellbeing.
Its emotional check-in resource can help pupils reflect on their feelings and identify positive coping strategies.
BBC wellbeing resources
BBC Children in Need wellbeing resources provide guidance for families on topics including talking to young people about mental health, worries and difficult world events.
NHS children’s mental health support
The NHS children’s mental health page provides advice for parents and carers, including guidance on recognising when a child may need more support and where to find help.
MindEd
MindEd offers free advice and learning resources for parents, carers and professionals supporting children and young people’s mental health.
Local Support in the Scarborough Area
- Sparks Project – Supporting people experiencing crisis by helping to rebuild confidence, resilience and wellbeing.
- The Rainbow Centre – Food bank, clothing bank, debt advice and practical support for local families.
- Westway Open Arms (Eastfield) – Food bank, debt support and community wellbeing activities.
- Filey Food Bank – Emergency food support and practical help for families in the local community.
- Scarborough Uniform Recycle – Free school uniform service supporting families across the Scarborough area.
Support for parents and carers
- Coram Family Lives – Confidential support for parents and carers on behaviour, relationships, mental health and family life. (0808 800 2222 – online chat also available.)
- YoungMinds Parent Helpline – Advice and support if you are worried about your child’s mental health.
- Place2Be – Parenting Smart – Free articles and practical guidance from child mental health experts to help support children’s wellbeing and behaviour.
- NSPCC – Advice for Families – Expert guidance on a wide range of parenting, safeguarding and family issues.
- Togetherness (North Yorkshire) – Free online parenting courses for families with children aged 0–19 years. Access code: NYFamilies.
The Go-To
The Go-To is North Yorkshire’s online wellbeing and information hub for children, young people, parents and carers. It provides trusted advice, practical resources and access to local support on topics including emotional wellbeing, mental health, relationships, school life, healthy lifestyles and where to get help when it is needed.
Hub of Hope
Hub of Hope is the UK’s largest mental health support directory, helping people quickly find local and national services. Whether you are looking for advice, counselling, crisis support or specialist mental health services, Hub of Hope connects children, young people, parents and carers with organisations that can provide the right support when it is needed.
Support for adults
NHS Talking Therapies
NHS Talking Therapies offers free, confidential support for adults experiencing common mental health difficulties such as anxiety, stress and depression.
In many areas, adults can refer themselves directly without needing to see a GP first.
Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters also provides practical self-care advice for adults, including support with stress, anxiety, sleep and low mood.
Further support
Togetherall
Togetherall is an anonymous, professionally moderated online community offering mental health and wellbeing support.
Access is available through some universities, colleges, NHS services and local providers. Availability varies, so please check whether your education provider or local service offers access.
Students Against Depression
Students Against Depression provides information, advice and practical tools for pupils affected by low mood, depression or suicidal thoughts.
Speak to us
If a pupil is struggling with their wellbeing or mental health, families are encouraged to contact the academy. We can listen, offer support and help identify the most appropriate next steps.
If you are worried about a pupil’s immediate safety, please follow the academy’s safeguarding procedures or contact emergency services where necessary.
Support When It Is Needed
We provide trusted information and signposting to help pupils, families and staff access the right support at the right time.
Building Positive Wellbeing
Practical resources help young people develop coping skills, manage worries and build confidence in looking after their mental health.
Working Together
We encourage pupils and families to speak to us when support is needed, so we can listen, offer guidance and identify appropriate next steps.
