As you may be aware, next week is Children’s Mental Health Week. The theme this year is ‘Express Yourself’ which is a key skill for children in staying safe and achieving their full potential throughout their lives.

As wellbeing forms an important part of our provision for children, I would like to draw your attention to some useful links aimed at supporting mental health and wellbeing. I hope that you find them useful.

At this time, finding safe ways to make connections with each other and spread kindness is essential. Action for Happiness have a ‘Friendly February’ calendar, designed to help us to be kind and develop our skills of friendship:  https://www.actionforhappiness.org/media/968363/february_2021.jpg

Surrey are currently developing their Early Help offer, and as part of this they are building a virtual Hub. They aim for this to become a go-to resource to help parents who are looking for additional information about how to support their children. By their own admission they are starting small and have chosen to focus on managing aspects of behaviour. Please have a look at the link to see what is on offer:  https://www.surreysfamilyhelphub.org.uk/?view=category

With children’s wellbeing in mind, it is crucial to remember the importance of maintaining our own wellbeing, as this can have an impact on children. The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families website has a great deal of information about wellbeing. The link directs you to support and advice for parents and carers:  https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/self-care-for-parents-and-carers/

If you have concerns about the wellbeing of your child please contact Mrs De Sampayo via the school office to discuss. Our staff are working exceptionally hard to maintain connection with children during this period of remote learning. We thank you for your support with this. Maintaining positive relationships is an important part of our ethos at St Joseph’s School.