Mental health in young people
Research shows that 1 in 5 young people aged 5-16 is likely to have a mental health problem. This means that in a class of 30, 6 young people might be struggling with their mental health. This has increased by 50% over the last 3 years. Research also shows that 75% of young people aren’t getting the help and support that they need.
Mental health at Castle Hall Academy
At Castle Hall Academy, we teach students to be aware of their own mental health as well as the mental health of others.
There are lots of things that we do within school to support the mental health of our students.
Our personal development curriculum teaches about mental health explicitly, as well as looking at wider topics such as preparing for the future, careers, and physical, sexual, and emotional health.
Where students might require further support with their mental health, Castle Hall Academy employs a Mental Health and Well-being Lead as well as a school counsellor and a commissioned school nurse. This is based on need, and referrals are made by the safeguarding and inclusion team. All staff are trained to identify mental health needs in school.
If the school feels that there is a greater need for support, referrals can be made, with paretn/carer consent, to external agencies that support young people with their mental health.
Families Together
If the school feels that there is a greater need for support, referrals can be made, with parent/carer consent, to external agencies that support young people with their mental health.
Families Together work with Kirklees Keep in Mind (KKIM) to provide support for young people with mental health concerns, whether this is early intervention work or more complex work. They will work with both the young person and the parent to support your child’s mental health.
Referrals for further support can be made by the school, by a parent or carer, or by a young person.
Organisations that Can help
Asking for help (for young people) – website for families
Night OWLS is a confidential support line for children and young people in crisis. Helping them, their parents and carers living in Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Night OWLS can help you if you…
- Feel you have nowhere to turn
- Feel you can’t go on living
- Are in a crisis
- Are finding it hard to cope with life
- Are feeling angry, lonely, anxious or depressed
- Are feeling confused or finding it hard to think straight
- Are feeling unsafe
- Are caring for a young person
- Just want to talk
Open 8pm – 8am every day, you can contact Night OWLS on freephone 0800 1488 244, by text 079843 76950 or chat on www.wynightowls.org.uk.
Family Lives
The key to building a positive relationship and sorting out any communication difficulties with your teenager is to keep the channels of communication open.