We all have ups and downs in life but in childhood it can be particularly hard to cope with sad feelings and worries that arise when things are hard or scary. There may be times when your child is unhappy or struggling emotionally. You may notice that they seem low or worried or that their behaviour changes. We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.
If you are worried about your child’s mental health then you are not alone. Many parents and carers have similar worries and stresses . There is good support available from local and national organisations. The sooner you seek help the better for your child and you. The leaflet: Mental health problems in children and young people: guidance for parents and carers provides some useful tips for helping your child plus links to local and national services.
Local services for children & young people
The School
Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better. You are welcome to speak with your child's teacher, teaching assistant, phase leader, Ms Flynn or Mr Bowman. If you need to discuss a confidential or sensitive matter, please speak with Mr Bowman or Ms Flynn.
Your GP
A GP can check any physical symptoms linked to your child’s health and talk with you about their emotional well-being making a referral to a specialist service if necessary.
The School Nurse
The school has a school nurse employed by Virgin Care. Support and advice is offered to school-age children and their families for a variety of health related concerns. Anyone can ask to see the school nurse – children, young people, or their parents/carers.
For more information, contact details or to download a copy of the service leaflet go to http://bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk/childrens/school-nursing/.
Also your child’s teacher or the school office can tell you the name of your school nurse and how to contact her.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
A free NHS service that assesses and treats 0-18-year olds with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
Children and young people aged 11 and over are also able to access support themselves from B&NES Kooth. This provides links to advice as well as online counselling.
Counselling service for young people.
Websites that offer information and advice
The following organisations provide reliable information and advice to help parent/carers to support their child when experiencing emotional difficulties:-
Young Minds - Help for Parents Information about all aspects of child mental health, including a Parent Helpline 0800 802 5544.
You’re Never too Young to Talk Mental Health – leaflet for parent/carers of primary aged children.
Childline - Lots of information and tips for children of all ages about feelings and difficult situations.
Minded for Families - Free learning resource about mental health for parents and carers.
Happy Maps - Lots of information about health topics including mental health, organised under different age groups i.e under 5’s primary age, secondary age, young adults.
Looking after your own mental health
In order to support your child, you need to stay strong and well yourself. It isn’t easy being a parent or carer especially when you are experiencing problems of your own such as relationship difficulties, money worries, problems with work. Often it helps to talk to someone, so don’t be scared about doing this, with friends, family, your GP or a support service. The following organisations can also offer information and advice to help you.
The Wellbeing College - Directory and database of groups, activities and courses in the community that can support. adult wellbeing.
Talking Therapies - Accessed through G.P or self-referral.
MyScript - Social prescribing service. Available to anyone registered with a GP in B&NES. This service provides support in finding specialist services and community groups to help individuals experiencing mental health and wellbeing issues to take control of their situation.
Bath Mind - Tel: 01225 316199
Samaritans - Tel: free 116 123
NHS Choices: moodzone - Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing
CALM - Campaign against living miserably
Agencies and services to support parents and carers in vulnerable situations
B&NES Directory of services: Wellbeing Options - Links to a range of services supporting physical, social and emotional needs across the area.
1 Big Database links to a wide range of useful information for families including Ofsted registered childcare, parenting support, groups, clubs and events.
Rainbow Resource - Signposts to organisations, services, support, activities and groups for children and young people aged 0-25 with additional needs.
Citizens Advice B&NES - Independent charity that provides free, impartial advice and information on a range of issues including housing, employment and debt.
With thanks to the B&NES Council Public Health Team for providing the information on this page.