Emotional Health and Well-Being

 

Mental Health & Wellbeing at Byrchall

At Byrchall High School, we believe positive mental health and wellbeing help every member of our school community to thrive.

Our approach focuses on promoting positive wellbeing, identifying needs early and providing the right support at the right time. We work together with students, staff, parents, carers and specialist services to ensure that mental health and wellbeing are a priority across our school community.

Throughout the year, we use our Personal Development curriculum, pastoral support, student voice, #BeeWell, assemblies, workshops, campaigns and partnerships with external services to support the mental health and wellbeing of our students.

At Byrchall, asking for help is encouraged, and every student should know that there is someone they can talk to.

How can I get help?

If you are worried about your mental health or wellbeing, you do not have to manage it alone.

You can speak to:

  • Your Form Tutor

  • Head of Year / Pastoral Support Officer
  • A trusted member of staff
  • The Safeguarding Team

Staff can listen, offer support and, where appropriate, help you access additional services such as our Mental Health Support Team (MHST).

For urgent mental health support in Wigan: 0800 051 3253 – available 24/7.

 

Our Wellbeing Offer

Support for Everyone Additional Support Urgent Support
  • PD curriculum
  • Form Tutor
  • Pastoral Team
  • Assemblies
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Wellbeing campaigns
  • Exam wellbeing
  • Student voice
  • Wellbeing Ambassadors
  • Pastoral interventions
  • MHST
  • School counselling
  • SEND support
  • Targeted workshops
  • Early Help / External services
  • CAMHS
  • NHS urgent mental health support
  • Safeguarding
  • Specialist external agencies

Meet Our Student Wellbeing Ambassadors

 

Our Wellbeing Ambassadors help promote positive mental health across the school, gather student voice, support wellbeing campaigns and help make sure students know where they can access support.

Exam Stress & Wellbeing

Things that can help:

  • Plan your revision – break it into small, manageable tasks rather than trying to do everything at once.
  • Prioritise sleep – your brain needs rest to learn, remember and concentrate.
  • Take regular breaks – working for longer does not always mean working better.
  • Keep moving – even a short walk or time away from your desk can help.
  • Eat and drink regularly – especially on exam days.
  • Give yourself time away from screens and revision.
  • Talk to someone – if exam pressure is becoming difficult to manage, speak to a parent/carer or a trusted member of staff.

If you are feeling like it is too much, you can speak to your Form Tutor, Head of Year, Pastoral Support Officer or another trusted member of staff. We can listen and help you access further support where needed.

Parents – Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health & Wellbeing

At Byrchall High School, we recognise the important role that parents and carers play in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

Changes in mood and behaviour can be a normal part of adolescence. However, significant or persistent changes may indicate that a young person would benefit from additional support. These may include changes in sleep or eating habits, increased anxiety or irritability, becoming withdrawn, loss of interest in usual activities, difficulties attending school, or feeling overwhelmed by friendships, schoolwork or examinations.

How Parents and Carers Can Help

Parents and carers can support their child by:

  • Providing regular opportunities to talk and listening without judgement.
  • Acknowledging and taking their concerns seriously.
  • Encouraging healthy routines, including sufficient sleep, regular meals, physical activity and time to relax.
  • Maintaining open communication with school where concerns arise.
  • Seeking additional or specialist support when appropriate.

If you have concerns about your child’s mental health or wellbeing, we encourage you to contact school at an early stage. Your child’s Form Tutor, Head of Year or Pastoral Support Officer can provide advice, discuss appropriate support and, where necessary, help facilitate access to additional services.