IN THIS SECTION
Promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing
PLANTSBROOK SIXTH FORM
Plantsbrook Sixth Form promotes emotional wellbeing for our students and recognises that this is crucial to their educational prowess and promoting a happy, healthy, successful life. Over 50% of mental illness starts before the age of 14 and 1 in 10 children/young people are coping with the challenges of a mental health order. This is on the increase and the current pandemic has made it more important than ever that we look after our mental health.
What is Mental Health?
We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Being mentally healthy means that:
- We feel good about ourselves
- We can make and keep positive relationships with others
- We feel able to manage our feelings rather than feeling overwhelmed by them
- We have interests or hobbies that we enjoy
- We feel hopeful and positive about the future
During our life adverse things may affect our mental health it is important to talk about problems and not isolate yourself away if you are feeling down, be kind to yourself, ask for help if you are struggling this is not a sign of weakness but of strength. Remember just as our mental health can suffer during difficult times in our life, it can also recover.
What do we offer?
We have a social and emotional skills program of tutorials and assemblies which includes:
- Helping students flourish in their educational journey;
- Helps students to build resilience against adversity;
- Helps students to develop protective factors from mental ill-health;
- Helps provide them with skills and confidence to self-seek help for early intervention.
We also have an open door policy and students are encouraged to talk over any problems, concerns or anxieties they may have with members of staff, including Form Tutors, Head of Sixth Form, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Sixth Form Administrator, teaching staff, etc. Where necessary we will direct students to our Welfare staff or outside agencies if we feel they would benefit from additional help and support. Alternatively, if a student would like help or to speak to somebody about any worries, anxieties you have but don’t feel they can approach anyone directly, we have an on-line
Well-Being form:
which when submitted, we can put arrangements in place to offer help and support.
Parents/Guardians are also encouraged to speak to us if they are worried about their son or daughter so that we can work together to support the student.
How to improve our Wellbeing:
Connect:
Make time each day to speak to a family member or friend
Be Active:
Walk or cycle to school
Use an app to count your daily steps
Use an exercise app
Give to Others:
Ask your friend how they really are, then really listen to the answer
Say thank you with a smile
Offer to lend a hand if you see someone is struggling
Phone a relative as a surprise
Arrange a treat for someone
Be Aware:
Try out yoga or meditation
Pick a time each day to breathe deeply and be aware of your surroundings
Play a piece of music and put all your energy into listening
Turn off all your social media for 30 minutes a day
Keep Learning:
Learn to cook a new meal
Teach yourself the basics of a new language
Learn to play a musical instrument
Start a new hobby or restart one you had before
Eat a Balanced Diet:
Eating regular meals and ensuring your don’t skip breakfast is just as important for your mental health as it is for our physical health. Ensure you eat 5 fruit and veg a day, avoid foods which are high in sugar and drink plenty of water or other non-sugary drinks.
Get Plenty of Sleep:
Start preparing for bedtime at least an hour beforehand. Try and establish a regular bedtime routine such as having a relaxing bath or shower beforehand and ensuring your room is dark and not too hot or cold. Avoid any screen (tv, laptop, computer, phone) usage for an hour before bedtime as the light from the screen can keep your brain alert and not ready for sleep.
Plantsbrook Learning Trust Registered Company Number: 07655702
Upper Holland Road – Sutton Coldfield – B72 1RB
