Speak Up
At St Peter’s we recognise that positive wellbeing and good mental health is vital for our students’ happiness and achievement. Student wellbeing is embedded in the everyday ethos and work of the School.
We encourage students and parents with any concerns to get in touch with us via our online Speak Up form below.
Do you need to speak to someone?
Are you concerned about yourself or a friend?
Are You:
- Experiencing something that is upsetting or worrying you?
- Experiencing bullying or harassment?
- Feeling blue?
- Struggling with your mental health?
- Confused about something?
- Needing help with friendship issues?
- Feeling discriminated against?
We are here to help
Your Tutor, Teachers, Head of Year and Pastoral Prefects are always on hand to listen and help you to tackle any worries or problems. If you are not sure where to start fill in the Speak Up online form. Add your contact details and someone will be in touch to help you. You should always speak to someone you trust if you or a friend are experiencing or facing any of these issues. We are always here to help at school and will always listen in a non-judgemental way. Our aim is to help you find a way to improve your mental health and wellbeing.
The Elevate Foundation offers various activities and courses that focus on wellbeing and helping young people grow in confidence, while providing practical ways to manage the challenges they may face. All sessions are led by experienced qualified facilitators and each one will have a different emphasis in promoting well-being through practical, physical and creative skills.
Help and advice
We know that growing up can be difficult and whilst it is normal to experience mood swings and times when you feel low, there may be occasions when you need more support. There are always people ready to listen and help you at school, but if you would like to do some of your own research then below are some great websites which offer great advice and anonymous support.
At difficult times it is quite normal to feel a bit anxious. If you feel anxious, concerned or stressed, here are some things you can do:
- Talk to someone - if you are starting to feel overwhelmed, it’s important to acknowledge your feelings and speak to someone you trust, whether that’s a friend, a family member, a teacher or fill in our Speak Up form.
- Plan your time - creating a routine can help maintain a sense of structure and normality. School work can help as a start to a routine but try to make sure you find time for things that are relaxing and fun.
- Learn new things - learning new skills can help give you a sense of purpose, connect with others and raise your self-esteem.
- Stay Active - Exercise really can help you feel more positive. YouTube has loads of workouts you can do at home. Try to get some fresh air every day.
- Do things that help you feel calm - think about some activities that can help when you are feeling overwhelmed, like breathing techniques, writing down how you feel, playing music or having a bath.
- Don’t overexpose yourself to the news - staying informed can make you feel in control, but constant news reports can also become overwhelming.
- Take a social media break - you might see stories or posts on social media that make you feel anxious.
- Don’t beat yourself up – it’s okay to be anxious, a lot of people find things hard to deal with at different times.
Online Services and Advice
The services below can provide you support 24 hours a day. There are services you can call, text or email, which ever feels comfortable to you. There are also lots of excellent resources on their websites.
To get urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service or call 111.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 999.
Wellbeing & Mental Health Support
Help in a Crisis
Give us a Shout
An anonymous counselling service which young people can text for free and get support and help from specialist counsellors 24hours a day.
Text Shout to 85258
Samaritans
An anonymous 24hour free helpline who will listen and support you.
Call: 116 123
Mental Health Support
Young Minds
Free, confidential online and telephone support, including information and advice.
Below are some really useful sections of their website:
Looking after yourself - Information about simple changes you can make to help with your mental health.
Feelings and symptoms - helps you to make sense of how you are feeling and where you can get support.
Find help - where to find help if you or a friend are struggling with mental health issues.
Public Health Dorset
Public Health Dorset – providing Mental Health Support
Kooth
Online support for young people.
Addiction
Talk To Frank
Offers up-to-date advice and information about drugs, providing access to live chat, email and telephone support, as well as leaflets, FAQs and links to other sites.
With you
With You is a charity providing free, confidential support to people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health.
Anxiety
Anna Freud
This website has some great tips on how to manage anxiety and stress including 85 different ways you can help yourself to deal with anxiety, stress and other mental health concerns.
Eating Disorders
Self Harm
If you have self harmed you should always tell someone either in school or at home that you trust.
Calm Harm
If you would like some ways to help you manage your anxiety then Calm Harm – an NHS accredited app which helps you to manage and control urges which can lead to self harm.
Gangs
Childline
Guidence on what a gang is and what to do if you're being preasured to join a gang.
LGBTQ+
Space Youth Project
Space Youth Project has been supporting young LGBT+ people and their families since 2001.
Emotional Support
Bereavement and Grief
Hope Again
A website where you can learn from other young people, how to cope with grief, and feel less alone.
Domestic Violence
The Hideout
A website that will help you to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it's happening to you.