During the COVID pandemic, we were acutely conscious that the sudden loss of routine and contact with teachers and friends had the potential to be a destabilising factor in young people's mental health and wellbeing.  Worries and concerns about coronavirus have not gone away, even though the school has now fully reopened for face to face teaching.  Coping was more challenging during those difficult times.   We have collected advice for students and parents here, and useful documents are available to download at the bottom of the page.

If students are struggling then please don’t hesitate to contact the school.  During periods of isolation or school closures this might be through:-

• School email

• The 'Helping Hand' button on Student Information Centre

Our key contact points remain the same:-

• 6th Form Head of Key Stage - Mr Hussain

• 6th Form Student Support Officers - Mrs Fortnam, Mrs Bull and Mrs Furley

• Years 7 and 8 - Mr Robertson and Mr Heppner Logan

• Year 9, 10 and 11 - Mrs Ashby and Mr Holloran

OR

• Ms Harper (our safeguarding lead)

A reminder that behind the school Helping Hand button on the Student Information Centre page there are links to the following external support groups:-

Kooth

Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people.  www.kooth.com

Mind 

Providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Bucks Mind campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. https://www.mind.org.uk/

Shout

The UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text Shout to 85258

In addition, the following services are also available.

Healthy Minds

The service is operational, working remotely and taking mental health care directly into residents living rooms throughout the pandemic to support them in managing worry, social isolation and improving their well-being.

To help they have created a series of videos via YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and hosted on the recently refreshed Healthy Minds website.

Visit: www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/healthyminds

Safe Haven

Safe Haven is a seven days-a-week out-of-hours crisis care service, currently offering listening support, signposting and safety planning. Anyone in need of support will be offered a 30 minute 1:1 conversation between 1830 hours and midnight. Referral lines open at 1800 hours with the last referral at 2300 hours. Callers may be allocated a time slot and called back.

• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday call 01296 453017.

• Thursday, Friday and Saturday call 01494 218098.

Finally, useful resources can be found for resources for parents and students at Educare and at the gov.uk pages.

Thank you to all the teachers for their professionalism and care during this extraordinary situation. I know they have their own families to care for and I am very grateful for everything they are doing for their students. I know not all schools are continuing with a timetable structure but a sense of normality is so important for these young people and their mental health.