Your family wellbeing is very important to us and we aim to help and support you in whichever way we can through these uncertain times. We have put together a number of resources to help support you. We hope you find them useful.
Mental Health
Here at St. Anne’s Catholic Primary School we take mental health very seriously and understand the complexities of this topic and how the current situation with coronavirus may be affecting students and their families.
When the school is open and running as normal students and families have access to several support mechanisms if they’re having any mental health issues.
We have developed this page to allow you to access support from home during this unprecedented time.
If you would like to speak to someone from school regarding a mental health or wellbeing concern then please see your options below.
Contacts: 0151 477 8260 and ask for a member of the Wellbeing Team.
Administration staff are in the building between 8:30am & 1:30pm and will be able to take a message and pass on your queries to the appropriate member of staff.
Alternatively, if you need to speak to someone urgently regarding mental health concerns for you or someone else please see below.
Young Minds – A charity supporting children and families through mental health support. https://youngminds.org.uk/
Think Wellbeing offers free NHS therapy for people in Knowsley with common mental health problems like anxiety or depression, to help you change the way you feel by changing the way you think. https://www.nwbh.nhs.uk/think-wellbeing-knowsley
MIND is a charity that provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. https://www.mind.org.uk/
Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-of-coronavirus-covid-19
Mindfulness
At St. Anne’s Catholic Primary School, we believe Mindfulness to be a valuable asset for all our students to develop throughout their time at school and during this time of home learning. We have included useful resources to allow you to develop your Mindfulness practice which may be very useful to you and your family throughout these difficult times.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness means paying full attention to something. It means slowing down to really notice what you’re doing.
Being mindful is the opposite of rushing or multitasking. When you’re mindful, you’re taking your time. You’re focusing in a relaxed, easy way.
Mindfulness has been shown to have huge benefits for everyone, especially students:
- Increase focus and attention
- Improve learning capacity
- Stay calm under stress
- Improved listening skills
- Improved patience
- Feel happier and are more capable of enjoying things
Sleep
Sleep plays an important role in good health and wellbeing throughout your life. Adults need around 8 hours sleep a night and children often need more.
The way you feel while you’re awake is partly dependent on what happens while you’re sleeping. During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. In children and teens, sleep also helps support growth and development. Ensuring that you get the right amount of high quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental and physical health, quality of life, and safety.
Establishing a good night routine for the whole family has a positive impact on the quality of sleep. Tips for establishing a good night sleep for the whole family include:
- Try to go to bed at the same time each night
- Limit food and drink consumption before bedtime
- Switch off electronic devices about an hour before bedtime
- Read a book or try one of our mindfulness activities before sleeping
If you or anyone in your family has trouble sleeping, consider listening to a sleep story or meditation off one of the various Apps available to download.
