Emotional Health and Well Being

If you wish to discuss any matters relating to emotional health please do not hesitate to contact a member of the SEND Team or your child’s Head of Year.

At Coopers School we understand that there may be times when pupils need some support in managing new and often difficult situations.

If your son or daughter is experiencing a specific medical condition, please contact Miss Willis or your child's Head of Year in the first instance. This will ensure an appropriate care plan can be created in line with you his/her needs. Emotional health and well-being is taken seriously at Coopers School.

Counselling at Coopers

What is Counselling?

Our Counselling service is run by Place2Be who offer a skilled way of helping students to find ways to manage their challenges.  We also use other appropriately qualified therapists. The aim is to empower them to live in a more resourceful way by giving them a safe and confidential place to offload their thoughts and feelings without being judged.  It is a therapeutic process which assists a student to focus on their particular concerns whilst also addressing and exploring specific problems, making choices, working through feelings of conflict and improving relationships with others.  It enables students to gain a better understanding of themselves and situations as well as developing strategies to manage change.

Counselling is not….

Telling young people what to do.  It is a process built on trust which enables them to find their own strengths and abilities which will enable them to reach their goals and make choices, whatever they might be.

Will it help?

Counselling does not suit everyone, but for those who are sad, lonely, confused, angry or wanting to make changes in their lives, it may be a helpful form of support.  It is always the choice of a young person as to whether they wish to attend.  They will be encouraged but not be forced to do so, and if they feel it will not be useful to them, their decision will be respected.

Is it confidential?

YES – with an important exception.  What has been discussed remains confidential unless the young person gives their permission to tell someone else.  If, however it is felt that the young person is in danger of harming themselves or others, then there is a duty of care to escalate the matter appropriately, but the young person will be spoken to first to make them aware of what will happen and will be involved throughout.

How does an appointment get made?

Students are usually referred by a member of staff in conjunction with the parent or carer.

Do parents / guardians get feedback?

Not necessarily.  The young person’s confidentiality will be respected, but they are encouraged to discuss their issues with their parents / guardians.

How long will counselling be for?

This will largely depend upon the young person’s needs. They are usually offered 6 sessions, but this is reviewed regularly to check progress.  Some may feel that just 2-3 sessions are enough to start to make positive changes, whereas others may need longer term support.  Usually the sessions are weekly, but again depending on their needs, this can be fortnightly or as and when required. Sometimes students will be referred to outside agencies such as CAMHS if longer term or more specialist work is required.

What issues are explored in Counselling?

Typical examples include:

• Anger
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Bullying
• Communication difficulties
• Depression and low moods
• Eating disorders
• Emotional / physical abuse
• Low self esteem
• Post-traumatic stress
• Relationship / family breakdown
• Self-harming
• Self-image issues
• Sexual and sexuality issues
• Stress
• Substance abuse by self or others

Youth Agencies for Emotional Support

Childline
https://www.childline.org.uk
0800 11 11

Good Thinking
www.good-thinking.uk
Tools and resources to help yourself and others feel better. Covers topics such as anxiety, sleepy deprivation, stress and low moods

Mental Health Foundation
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities
www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind
A mental health charity
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk

The Mix
www.themix.org.uk
Free information and support for under 25s in the UK

Youth Access
www.youthaccess.org.uk
Information on Youth counselling

Young Minds
www.youngminds.org.uk
National charity committing to improving the mental health of all young people

FRANK 
Information and confidential advice regarding drugs
www.talktofrank.com
0300 123 6600

Al-anon
Support for relatives and friends of alcoholics
www.al-anonuk.org.uk
0207 403 0888

Alateen
Support for children of alcoholic parents (ages 12-17)
0207 593 2070 (part of Al-anon) 

Bromley Changes
Drug and alcohol support for under 18s
http://www.changegrowlive.org
0208 313 1107

Bromley Community Wellbeing
Face to face and on line self-help
http://www.bromleywellbeingcyp.org
0203 770 8848

Bromley Children Project
One to one and group support for families including courses and workshops
0208 461 7259

St. Christopher’s Candle Project
For bereaved children and their families
www.stchristophers.org.uk
0208 768 4500

NACOA
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
www.nacoa.org.uk
0800 358 3456

Samaritans
9b Station Road, Orpington
01689 83300
Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

SANE
Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers
www.sane.org.uk/support

SNAP
LBGTQ Youth Group and mental and sexual wellbeing
Embrace difference | METRO Charity

Winston’s Wish
For bereaved children and their families
www.winstonswish.org.uk
08452 03 04 05

Mobile Apps
KOOTH App
Online support with a range of Mental Health topics

NHS Go App
Free health app for young people

Headspace App
Self-help about a range of Mental Health topics

Calm App
Guided meditation and sleep techniques to reduce stress