Here at Talbot Primary we strive to be a mentally healthy school. We are committed to supporting the positive mental health and wellbeing of our whole school community (children, staff, parents and carers). We foster a supportive and caring ethos and our approach is respectful and kind, where each individual and contribution is valued. We endeavour to ensure that children are able to manage times of change and stress and aim to ensure that they are supported to reach their potential or to access help when they need it.

Definition of Mental Health

The World Health Organisation defines mental health as:

“State of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”

In school we explain this to our children using this definition:

“Mental health, in effect refers to the capacity to live a full, productive life as well as the flexibility to deal with its ups and downs.  It is especially about the capacity to learn, enjoy friendships, to meet challenges, to develop talents and capabilities.” - Young Minds

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and determines how we make choices, handle stress, and relate with others.  It is important that we are clear that people with “good” mental health don’t always feel happy or never feel lonely, but rather have the tools to cope with stress, trauma, and adversity.

‍Definition of Wellbeing

The World Health Organisation defines wellbeing as:

“A positive state of mind and body, feeling safe and able to cope, with a sense of connection with people, communities and the wider environment.”

We recognise that there are factors which can impact on the ability to maintain a state of mind that allows us to cope with challenges. The infographic below highlights some of these factors.

We aim to work in partnership with our families to maximise protective factors and reduce risk factors wherever we can. We also recognise that there are times when life can present challenges which can impact on our own wellbeing or have a negative impact on our mental health as adults.

Listed below are a series of one page guides to where you can get specific help in this locaility for issues with mental health as well as where to find support for some of the risk factors detailed above, such as bereavement, domestic abuse, or financial worries. You will also find some guides to books that can be shared with children, of all ages, to support conversations around some of these issues. 

Please remember, that we are also here for you, and even if it is just as a listening ear or a safe space to share a concern we will always try to help.