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At St John’s we aim to promote positive mental health and we are working hard to respond to the needs of our students and develop a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing.
As you may be aware, mental ill health amongst young people is a significant and rising problem. We are striving to meet these challenges and have a number of strategies and procedures to support our young people. We have a new policy available within the website; please do take the time to read. If you would like to speak to the Designated Lead for Mental Health please contact our medical room:
01672 516 156 Ext 835 or
MedicalRoom@stjohns.excalibur.org.uk.
Please see our 
Academy Policies page and the 
Excalibur Policies page for links to the following policies :
Medical Conditions Policy- Mental Health Policy
- Health & Wellbeing of Students Policy
Medical Conditions PolicySee Weblinks below for lots of useful links to support students and parents.
On your Mind signposts children and young people in Wiltshire to sources of support for good mental health and emotional wellbeing.
YoungMinds – Fighting for young people’s mental health
“We’re leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges. We’re here to make sure they get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties.”
0808-802-5544 (Parents Helpline)
https://youngminds.org.uk/
Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity. We exist to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. We are a champion, guide and friend to anyone affected, giving individuals experiencing an eating disorder and their loved ones.
Boys in Mind strongly believe that by understanding and addressing the particular barriers boys and young men face and challenging unhelpful notions of what it means to be a man we can begin to improve male mental health and ultimately reduce male suicide rates. They aim to reduce the stigma and isolation which often exists for boys and young men.
CHAT Health – The Castle School Nursing Team offer drop ins to ALL secondary students virtually. You can contact a School Nurse through CHAT Health by texting 07480635513.
The COVID pandemic has resulted in lots of young people feeling stressed, anxious, depressed and lonely, all normal feelings when faced with crisis, the unknown, or sudden change. As a service School Nurses will be continuing to provide access to advice and guidance on a wide range of issues from anxiety, self-harm, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse through to bullying, problems with friends or family and puberty.
The service is available for 11 to 19-year-olds (Year seven and above) Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm all year round (excluding bank holidays) and it gives young people the opportunity to discuss their concerns with a school nurse by text if they would rather not do it face to face. If you wish to see the School Nurse then we can arrange this through CHAT Health, and we will be able to offer to meet with you over a video link or phone call. Please don’t be afraid to reach out for help during this stressful time!
Text 07480635513
ChildLine is a confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen; children can contact a ChildLine counsellor about anything – no problem is too big or too small – call free, have a 1-2-1 chat online or send an email. Parents/carers can get information and support in relation to issues such as suicidal thoughts and self-harm through their partner organisation NSPCC.
Telephone: 0800 1111 (children) 0808 800 5000 (for parents & professionals, open 24/7)
https://www.childline.org.uk/
https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/ (contact page)
First Light – Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Support for all
First Light is a charity supporting people in Cornwall, Devon and Wiltshire who have been affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. In 2017 Twelves Company and Skoodyha merged to become First Light. We are independent of statutory agencies, including the Police, and every year we help thousands of adults and children in the South West to lead safer lives, free from violence and abuse.
The Swindon & Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre is the first point of contact for people who have experienced rape and serious sexual assault. The SARC is a safe place where we provide confidential practical and emotional support to anyone impacted by rape and serious sexual assault. It is a service provided and facilitated by First Light, delivered by a team of experienced crisis workers with an experienced team of sexual offence examiners.
https://www.firstlight.org.uk/
Swindon & Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) – First Light
HappyMaps gives help to parents for children’s mental health – support for parents and children from preschool to young adult.
Worried about your child’s mental health, behaviour or wellbeing? We’ve pooled some of the best resources and advice in one place. Find recommended books, websites, Apps , how to find counselling, when to see your GP , and information about Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile. You can find information relating to mental health on their “Mental Health” page. There are discussion boards and links for Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, plus a chat service “1-2-1 Chat“, a Crisis Messenger text line, and a telephone hotline 0808 808 4994.
0808 808 4994
https://www.themix.org.uk/
PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person, through our helpline, HOPELINEUK.
0800 068 4141
https://papyrus-uk.org/
FRANK provides honest information about drugs and drug use.
0300 123 6600 available 24-7
82111 – Text a question and FRANK will text you back.
http://www.talktofrank.com/
Headspace is a free guided meditation app and website to help you live a healthier, happier and more well-rested life. Learn to meditate and live mindfully, reducing stress, maintaining focus and boosting compassion. You can sign up for free or subscribe to access additional resources.
https://www.headspace.com/
Get the app:
App Store 
Play Store
Calm Harm is an app to help you manage urges to self-harm.
https://calmharm.co.uk/
Get the App:
App Store Play Store
The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) website provides information about services in Wiltshire and other areas.
https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/camhs/
Tips for Working from Home Effectively
The Alcohol Education Trust is a small focused charity which works across the UK to keep children safe around alcohol. We are a leading early intervention charity that supports young people in making more informed life choices through the 2,100 schools and youth organisations we support with our award-winning resources.
The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust enables people to understand and talk openly about depression, stay mentally well and access appropriate treatment.
Every Mind Matters is a Public Health England NHS website full of practical tips and support for mental health wellbeing. EMM will help you manage and maintain your mental health, as good mental health makes such a difference. It helps us to relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.