Please find some information below of different services and advice groups who can support you and your child regarding safeguarding, well-being and other helpful services.
All of the services above offer advice, signposting or mental health support. However, if you are a student or parent/carer struggling with your mental health, or concerned about someone else’s mental health, please contact Walton Hall Academy directly for further support or see your GP/Doctor and they can support you further.
Children and Young People's Autism Service (CYPAS)
If your child has a diagnosis of autism and you are struggling with certain aspects of their behaviour or well-being you have open access to CYPAS for support. Their number is: 0300 303 0691 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday - excluding Bank Holidays) . They are a dedicated team of professionals offering support to families across south Staffordshire around autism covering both assessment, intervention and support. You can also email cypautismservice@mpft.nhs.uk .
SENDIASS
Staffordshire’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service provide free, impartial, confidential advice and support around Education, Health and Social Care. More information can be found on their website: SENDIASS SEND IASS - Staffordshire Family Partnership
Mental Health Support Team
Walton Hall Academy are proud to work in partnership with Mental Health Support Team (MHST) which is a local NHS support service helping students with: low moods, anxiety, sleep difficulties, worry and panic. If you or a student you care for would like to be referred to this service then speak to a member of staff or you can self-refer by calling: 01283 504 587
Young Minds
Young Minds are the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health. There is lots of information regarding feelings, mental health conditions, medications and more on their website: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/ They have a dedicated Parent/Carer helpline which is free to call on 0808 802 5544. The line is open Monday to Friday (from 9.30am - 4pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 9.30am - 6pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
NSPCC
The NSPCC offer advice and support on a range of issues that affect the safety and wellbeing of our children and young people. This is available on their website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/advice-for-families/ with guides written for young people, their parents/ carers or anyone concerned for a young persons safety and wellbeing, it includes advice around mental health of children/ young people, and their parents/ carers. For adults concerned about a young person: You can contact their Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk. If you are 18 or under? Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help you can call: 0800 1111.
Shout
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text SHOUT to 85258.
The Mix
The Mix is a free, confidential, support service for those between the ages of 11-25. They offer support from mental health, feeling lonely, managing social media, to money, break-ups or drugs. Young people can join an online community group or refer for online counselling all through their website: https://www.themix.org.uk/ .
Kooth
Kooth is an online mental wellbeing community for young people aged between 11-18 years old. They offer discussion boards; 1-1 online chat with their team and have an online daily journal to track your feelings and emotions. Which can be accessed at: https://www.kooth.com/
Samaritans
Samaritans is a charity that offers support for people who might be struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. You can contact them via phone, email, letter. You can also get support by visiting a branch and via their self-help app. You can call them 24/7 every day on 116 123.
NHS Mental Health Crisis Support
The NHS offer a Freephone 24/7 Urgent Mental Health Helpline. If you live in South Staffordshire call 0808 196 3002. If you live in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin call 0808 196 4501. If you live in North Staffordshire, you can ring 0800 0 328 728 and choose Option 1.