Mental Health and Safeguarding
Mental Health
Over the past few years, we have had to adapt our lives in ways that was not considered the norm. Not only do we need to continue to promote the keeping safe message, but also now in dealing with a financial crisis, these significant issues bring greater stress. We need to be aware of our own mental health and how we are feeling. If you feel you may need support, the following information may help.
Mental Health Helpline - 0300 303 3972
Local NHS Trust, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP), has launched a new mental health helpline for residents of Cheshire West, Cheshire East and Wirral.
Open 24 hours a day, seven-days a week, it is open to people of all ages including children and young people who need urgent mental health support.
What to do if you need urgent mental health help:
- Please call 0300 303 3972 and our dedicated local NHS staff will support you to access the help you need;
- The helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to people of all ages – including children and young people;
- The helpline is now the first port of call for mental health help – it is operated by people in your local area who will know how best to support you. If you call NHS111 you may have to wait longer for help and will be re-directed to this local service – so call 0300 303 3972;
- Please note, A&E and 999 are not the best places to get help for the majority of mental health problems – call 0300 303 3972 to be directed to the best local service to support you;
- You should still call 999 or go to A&E if you have an immediate, life-threatening emergency requiring mental or physical health assistance;
- For non-urgent help and general wellbeing advice, the CWP website contains information and links to resources to support people with anxiety, low mood, and worries relating to the current Covid-19 pandemic www.cwp.nhs.uk
- For children and young people there is also a dedicated website MyMind.org.uk
Safeguarding
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility and is paramount at St Gabriel's. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals in this school make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that we consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.
The links below to websites will give further information, as will the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.
This year we have also appointed a team of school 'Safeguarding Champions'. Their role is to promote awareness of the need to 'Stay safe' at all times, both in and out of school! They will be attending a children's Safeguarding Conference with other schools and pupils to collectively raise the importance of 'Staying Safe'.
This year our champions are:
Vicky, Joel, Mia, Jamie, Amelia and Ezra. (Y6)
