Mental Health & Wellbeing
Mental health shapes how we process thoughts and emotions. Everyone may experience low mood, anxiety, or confusion at times. However, mental health challenges arise when these feelings disrupt daily life—making it difficult to manage family relationships, school, or social connections.
Navigating youth today presents unique hurdles, and data reveals a rising trend in mental health struggles among children and young people. Specifically, 10% of youth aged 5 to 16 live with a clinically diagnosed condition, while roughly 14% face mild to moderate difficulties.
Unaddressed mental health struggles can affect learning, which may lead to lower academic achievement and increased absenteeism among affected students. Early recognition of early warning signs is essential so we can offer timely support to young people in need.
At Kempston Academy, we believe that mental health is fundamental to overall well-being, encompassing our emotional, psychological, and social states. It influences how we think, feel, act, manage stress, connect with others, and make healthy decisions.
All students at Kempston Academy learn about mental well-being through our comprehensive Personal Development curriculum. This is delivered through spiraled PSHE units across all year groups, ensuring that students build their understanding progressively.
Below is a breakdown of what each year group covers:
-
All year groups gain a foundational understanding of what mental health is.
-
Year 7 specifically explores the impact of social media on mental health.
-
Years 8, 9, 10, and 11 delve deeper into understanding emotions, self-esteem, and confidence.
-
Year 11 focuses on practical coping strategies, particularly in preparation for exam stress.
Mental Health Warning Signs
-
Marks or injuries that recur or appear non-accidental
-
Noticeable changes in sleep patterns or eating habits
-
Becoming socially withdrawn and isolated
-
Changes in mood and energy levels
-
A decline in grades or school performance
-
Direct or casual comments about self-harm or suicide
-
Substance abuse involving drugs or alcohol
-
Voicing feelings of despair, worthlessness, or failure
-
Wardrobe changes, such as wearing long sleeves in hot weather
-
Unusually secretive behavior
Support
Beyond the curriculum, students receive robust support through our dedicated pastoral system. This includes Tutors, Deputy Heads of Year, Heads of Year, Pastoral and Safeguarding Team. They work collaboratively to identify any, vulnerabilities and encourage students to speak to trusted staff members. This allows us to implement individualised support plans. If a student requires further specialised help, the school can also make referrals to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
Resources
Kid Confidence - Life Coaching
NSPCC - Young People and Self-Harm
Contact in school if I would like to talk about my mental health and wellbeing
- Your chosen member of staff
-
Your Form Tutor
-
Your Head of Year
- Your Deputy Head of Year
-
A Member of the Safeguarding Team
- A Member of the Leadership Team
Local Support Services
CAMHS - Child and adolescent mental health services
Sorted Counselling Bedfordshire
