Pupil Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
At Benton Park School, we want every pupil to feel that they belong, are listened to and know where to turn when they need help. Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing is an important part of our pastoral care.
We recognise that pupils may experience difficulties at different points in their lives. These may include anxiety, low mood, bereavement, friendship difficulties, family concerns, academic pressure or other challenges affecting their wellbeing. Pupils do not need to manage these concerns alone.
Support in School
Pupils who are worried about their mental health or wellbeing can speak to:
- Their Check-in Tutor
- Their Year Leader
- A trusted member of staff
- A member of the safeguarding or pastoral team
- The school’s mental health and wellbeing team
Our mental health and wellbeing team runs a drop-in session every Tuesday lunchtime. Pupils can attend if they would like advice, someone to talk to or help accessing further support.
Information about the drop-in and other sources of support is displayed around school.
How Parents and Carers Can Help
Parents and carers can support their child by:
- Making time for regular, calm conversations
- Listening without immediately trying to solve the problem
- Taking changes in mood, behaviour, sleep or attendance seriously
- Encouraging healthy routines, including sleep, exercise and time away from screens
- Contacting school if they are concerned about their child
- Helping their child access appropriate professional support where needed
If you are worried about your child’s wellbeing, please contact their Year Manager or another member of the pastoral team.
Support Outside School
Kooth
Kooth provides free and anonymous online mental health and wellbeing support for young people. It includes access to advice, online resources and qualified counsellors. Young people can register directly without a formal referral.
MindMate
MindMate offers mental health and wellbeing information, advice and support for children, young people and families across Leeds.
YoungMinds
YoungMinds provides information and guidance for young people, parents and carers about mental health, wellbeing and accessing support.
Leeds Mind
Leeds Mind support for young people provides information about local services available to children and young people.
Safe Zone
Safe Zone provides mental health crisis support for young people aged 11 to 17 and their parents or carers in Leeds. Support may be available face to face or by telephone. Please visit the website for current opening times, eligibility and referral arrangements.
Place2Be
Place2Be is a children’s and young people’s mental health charity offering information, advice and resources for pupils, families and schools.
Children’s Mental Health Week
Benton Park School supports Children’s Mental Health Week, which encourages children and young people to talk about their mental health, share how they feel and understand how to access support.
More information and family resources are available through the Children’s Mental Health Week website.
Useful Resources
- Children’s Mental Health Week information
- Top Tips for Young People
- Top Tips for Families
- Hearing the Voices of Those with Additional Needs
- Pledge Cards
Asking for Help
Asking for help is a positive and responsible step. If a pupil is struggling, we encourage them to speak to a trusted adult as soon as possible so that the right support can be put in place.
