Wellbeing is part of our vision 2025.  It is at the forefront in all that we do.

 

We understand wellbeing is a key part of keeping safe, helping children develop and ensuring that children have positive outcomes in adulthood.

 

We follow the 5-steps to help with children’s wellbeing…..

1. Help children understand their character strengths and develop in confidence.
2. Look at what is working well in our lives and develop gratitude skills.
3. Teach children mindfulness skills and focusing on the present moment.
4. Kindness is a win-win for wellbeing it also helps with connection.
5. Being resilient means bouncing back when challenges are encountered.

Below are some tips on how to support our children to give them the best chance to stay mentally healthy.

Ways to support a child or young person

Be there to listen

Regularly ask your child how they're doing, to help them get used to talking about their feelings and know there's always someone there to listen. You can get tips on Young Minds: How to talk to your child about mental health.

Support them through difficulties

Pay attention to how your child is feeling or behaving and try to help them work through difficulties. It may not be easy facing challenging behaviour, but try to help them understand what they're feeling and why. Learn more from the Maudsley Charity on difficult behaviour.

Stay involved in their life

Show interest in their life and what's important to them. It not only helps them value who they are but also makes it easier for you to spot problems and support them.

Encourage their interests

Support and encourage your child to explore their interests. Being active or creative, learning new things and being a part of a team helps connect us and boost our mental wellbeing.

Take what they say seriously

Listening to and valuing what they say makes them feel valued. Consider how to help them work through their emotions in constructive ways. Anna Freud Centre's guide on ways to support children and young people has more on this.

Build positive routines

Try to have structure around regular routines, especially around healthy eating and exercise. A good night's sleep is also important, so have a fixed time for going to bed and getting up. The Sleep Charity has relaxation sleep tips for children.