We know Christmas is a difficult time for many and we are aware that this year is no exception and that many young people are anxious for a variety of reasons.
Safeguardings continue to concern us all and this has been added to as young people readjust to the effects of the pandemic.
Young people and adults can access support when the school counselling service is shut over the Christmas holidays through the following link :
https://www.lifelinehelpline.info/
This service is available to anyone, including young people 24 hours per day, every day of the year.
If parents are concerned about a crisis mental health situation, they can take their child to A & E, or can speak to their local GP for advice in the first instance. We are aware that some young people who are distressed are awaiting an appointment from CAMHS.
If a young person's mental health worsens whilst on the CAMHS waiting list parents should telephone their local CAMHS and speak to them about this.
We are posting additional mental health information advice and support on the Familyworks website, on Facebook and Instagram on the 23rd of December and before the New Year as well.
It is hard to guess what January holds for us all, but we look forward to a future where hopes are realised for our young people, for the staff who care for them, and for our wider society. We have contingency plans for several eventualities in the New Year so we will work alongside our schools to do our very best for you all.
We would remind all of our Key Contacts who work in partnership with us to complete their waiting list form in the New Year so that all pupils requiring counselling can be seen as promptly as possible. You can discuss this waiting list form with your school counsellor at their weekly meeting.
Thank you all for your regular and consistent support over the year. We wish you and your staff a good rest over the holidays and a happy and healthy new year.
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