--- title: "Mental Health & Well-Being" url: "https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/mental-health-wellbeing" school: "St Margaret's C of E Primary School" --- # Mental Health & Well-Being > “Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.” - World Health Organisation (WHO) 2014. --- At St Margaret’s Church of England Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play. We continue to develop our learning and support for all members of our community and strive to create a safe and positive environment where all can thrive and let their unique lights shine. We aim to: - help children to understand their emotions and feelings better - help children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries - help children socially to form and maintain relationships - promote self-esteem and ensure children know that they count - encourage children to be confident and ‘dare to be different’ - help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks --- ### Our Mental Health and Well-Being Team Mrs A Hassall - Headteacher & Well-Being Lead Mrs A Hague - Senior Mental Health Lead & SENCO Mrs C McNicholas - EYFS Lead & Thrive Practitioner Mrs C Knox - Thrive Practitioner Mr J Imber - School Counsellor ![Mrs A Hassall](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/imagecache/360x480c/people/20240911_083514(1).jpeg) #### Mrs A Hassall ![Mrs A Hague](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/imagecache/360x480c/people/4-ABB886AAF5.jpg) #### Mrs A Hague ![Mrs C McNicholas](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/imagecache/360x480c/people/667.jpg) #### Mrs C McNicholas ![Mrs C Knox](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/imagecache/360x480c/people/25-15AC164492.jpg) #### Mrs C Knox --- ### Levels of Support - Universal Support– To meet the needs of all our pupils through our overall ethos, school values and our wider curriculum. For instance, developing resilience for all. - Additional support– For those who may have short term needs and those who may have been made vulnerable by life experiences such as separation or bereavement. - Targeted support– For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions such referral to wider professionals. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health please contact your Child’s class teacher to discuss levels of support available. --- ### Advice for parents of children suffering from school morning anxiety Parent & Carer Guide 165 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/Managing_Morning_Anxiety_-_Parent_and_carer_guide(1).pdf) --- ### Useful websites for advice and support with mental health - [Young Minds](http://www.youngminds.org.uk/) - Charity committed to improving the mental health and well being of children and empowering parents and carers - [Childline](http://www.childline.org.uk/) - Counselling service for parents and children - [Mind](http://www.mind.org.uk/) - Excellent range of materials on all aspects of mental health - [MindEd](http://www.minded.org.uk/) Educational resource on children’s mental health for adults - [OCD-UK](http://www.ocduk.org/) - Information and support relating to OCD in children and young adults - [CBT Online](http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/) - Self help site - [Leaflet for helping children cope with anxiety](https://tutorful.co.uk/guides/the-expert-guide-to-help-your-child-with-anxiety) - [Anorexia and Bulimia care](http://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/) - Support for anyone affected by an eating disorder - [Cruse](http://www.cruse.org.uk/) - Support and advice for children and adults when someone dies - [Young Minds parent’s helpline](http://www.youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-helpline/) - free confidential help and advice for any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child - [Tutorful](https://tutorful.co.uk/guides/the-expert-guide-to-help-your-child-with-anxiety) - Dealing with anxiety - [NHS Every Mind Matters](https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/) - General advice on anxiety and strategies - [Young Minds](https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-survival-guide/) - Young minds parents’ survival guide - [Anna Freud](https://www.annafreud.org/resources/family-wellbeing/) - Resources for families - [Young Minds](https://youngminds.org.uk/resources/school-resources/find-your-feet-transition-tips-for-parents/) - Supporting school transitions - [Parents Protect](https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk/if-a-child-tells-you-about-abuse.htm) - [Face Family Advice ](https://www.facefamilyadvice.co.uk/-)- Parenting advice classes - [Family Moodboosters: Carnival Connect](https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/moodboosters/family-moodboosters-carnival-connect-evie-pickerill/zrp4wsg) - [Papyrus](https://www.papyrus-uk.org/) - Prevention of young suicide - [MindEd for families](https://www.mindedforfamilies.org.uk/young-people) - [FEARless ](https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.durham.gov.uk%2Farticle%2F28897%2FFEARless&data=05%7C01%7Ck.lee300%40st-margarets.durham.sch.uk%7C7d3c383ed5784b58ce3b08dbd56ea115%7C45dfff5283644d73bf3a8f98bdf10d87%7C0%7C0%7C638338443344683417%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7cbGvYq9MgACJNSTBjpLOL0DvLQdWFk63zA8j1aeQJM%3D&reserved=0)– Helping your child with anxiety - [The Toby Henderson Trust - The Doorway to Early Action in Autism](https://www.ttht.co.uk/training-workshops-and-events/webinars/) - [Early Help](https://durham-scp.org.uk/practitioners/early-help/) - [Family Hub](http://-https://www.durham.gov.uk/FamilyHubs) - [Local offer](https://www.durham.gov.uk/localoffer) - [Daisy Chain](https://daisychainproject.co.uk/) - [VCS Alliance](https://countydurhampartnership.co.uk/county-durham-partnership/our-partners/voluntary-and-community-sector/) - [Place2Be ](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/files/Place2Be_Parenting_Smart_website_leaflet.pdf) - Autism and Neurodiversity - [https://www.annafreud.org/resources/family-wellbeing/](https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.annafreud.org%2Fresources%2Ffamily-wellbeing%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ck.lee300%40st-margarets.durham.sch.uk%7C8637c2f2f40f46916f7408dd94602a27%7C45dfff5283644d73bf3a8f98bdf10d87%7C0%7C0%7C638829862941575612%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=aeyhRqlNTBxHhl42yJvhpUSWNjDoDH6Pi3wkSb%2FwaTQ%3D&reserved=0) - [CAMHS training in County Durham](https://CAMHS%20training%20in%20County%20Durham) ### **Mental health information for parents** - - Website that helps understand children's mental health problems through film Parent & Carer Training & Information 520 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/PARENT_and_CARER_Training_flyer_template_-_Aug_-_Dec_25_(2).pdf) Grounding Techniques 483 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/GROUNDING_TECHNIQUES_-_SPPT.pdf) Caring for Children with attachment Difficulties 224 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/ATTACHMENT_PACE.pdf) Family Hubs Activity & Programmes guide 355 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/56015_CYPS_FH_Activity_and_Programmes_25.pdf) MHAW 2025 - 10 ways to get involved with your community 248 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/MHF_Tips_2pp_A4-FINAL.pdf) Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 2.31 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/MHAW25_poster_awareness_EN(1).pdf) Anxious About School 1.20 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/Anxious_about_school_Website_slides..pdf) Anxiety Resource Booklet 5.51 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/Anxiety_resource_booklet_(1)_(1).pdf) Emotional Health & Resilience Team 732 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/1._EHRT_Presentation_.pdf) Anxiety guide for parents 699 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/information/anxiety-guide-for-parents.-1.pdf) Rainbow Resource Children’s V3 March 23 250 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/information/Rainbow-Resource-Childrens-V3-March-23.pdf) ### Emotional Regulation Workshop 20th March 2026 Yoga cards 795 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/yoga_cards.pdf) Square breathing 139 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/square_breathing.pdf) Sensory circuits 359 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/Sensory_Circuits.pdf) Sensory brain break cards 664 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/sensory_brain_break_cards_(1).pdf) Please help me to 1.46 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/please_help_me_to.pdf) Mood battery 40 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/mood-battery.pdf) Lous battery 100 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/lous__battery.pdf) Emotional regulation take aways 526 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/Emotional_Regulation_Take_Aways_(1).pdf) Coaching and modelling 242 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/Coaching_and_Modelling.pdf) Calm glitter 61 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/calm_glitter.pdf) Calm down prompt cards 412 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/calm_down_prompt_cards.pdf) Breathing 1.32 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/Breathing.pdf) Breathing cards 166 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/breathing_cards.pdf) Breathing Bubbles 94 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/Breathing_Bubbles.pdf) ### Sleep advice for parents Sleep booklet 294 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/files/documents/Sleep_Booklet_for_parents.pdf) --- ### JANUARY 2024 ![](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/images/images/alex-dewar.jpeg) Alex Dewar (Ambassador from the British Inspiration Trust) came to talk to the whole school and provide some motivational workshops in the Juniors. ### **FEBRUARY 2024** #### Children's Mental Health Week ![](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/images/image.png) When we feel empowered, there’s a positive impact on wellbeing. Children who feel that their voices are heard and can make a difference have a greater sense of community and self-esteem. My Voice Matters! ### **MARCH 2024** **![](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/images/thumbnail_image.png)** We are delighted to celebrate the end of training of our new Peer Mentors. They were commended on their kindness, intelligence and politeness, by the Investing In Children trainer, and that they will make 'brilliant mentors.' We are very proud of them! A Peer Mentor is someone who supports the people around them, being a good influence, supporting friendships and acting as a listening ear. A peer Mentor does not try to solve problems but are trained to share conversations , which worry them, with trusted adults. They will be seen around the playgrounds, available to support their peers and adults, in the coming weeks. ### June 2024 ![](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/images/image_(3).png) Dealing with Anxiety assembly ### March 2025 ![](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/images/image_(18).jpeg) Anxiety Assembly ( KS2) by Louise Frost from Investing in Children. As part of our involvement with the STAR ( Support Targeted for Anxiety and Resilience) Project. Louise Frost from Investing in Children came in to do an assembly for KS2. She discussed why people may feel anxious and why this is not always a negative emotion. The key message was to share worries and how talking can help. A lovely video/book to share is Ruby's Worry by Tom Percival , which is also suitable for younger children. ![](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/images/image(1).png) ![](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/images/image_(1).png) St. Margaret's staff completed training as part of the STAR Project on Anxiety related to school ### May 2025 This week has been Mental Health Awareness Week in School. The theme was Community- an important value at St Margaret's school. We have been reflecting on what is mental health and exploring how we can be supported and find support in the many communities we belong to. KS2 pupils have been using a Wellbeing Journal to explore their feelings and explore who they can turn to for support. Discussions have taken place amongst KS1 relating to people who can help us with our feelings. ### December 2025 ![](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/images/image_(22).png) Years 1-6 Anxiety Assembly by Louise Frost from Investing In Children ### March 2026 ![](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/images/b6b45c84-e1ae-4d1b-bf72-93ba57f46bd2.png) On Friday 20th March , the school hosted an emotional regulation workshop led by Louise Vardy, Specialist SEND & Inclusion Advisory Teacher Communication & Interaction Team. We had a wonderful turn out and response from parents. ### Key Information - [Safeguarding](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/safeguarding) - [Online Safety](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/online-safety) - [Equality](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/equality) - [Ofsted & SIAMS Reports](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/ofsted-siams-reports) - [School Performance](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/school-performance) - [Funding](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/funding) - [Policies](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/policies) - SEND - [Introduction ](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/send) - [Our SEN Provision](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/send/our-sen-provision) - [SEN Support](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/send/sen-support) - [SEN Transition](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/send/sen-transition) - [Accessibility](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/accessibility) - [Mental Health & Well-Being](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/key-information/mental-health-wellbeing) ![St Margaret's C of E Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/st-margaret-s-c-of-e-primary-school/images/logo/Logo_White.png) **St Margaret's C of E Primary School** Crossgate Peth Durham DH1 4QB Tel: 0191 384 7331 Email: stmargarets@durhamlearning.net © Copyright 2024–2026 St Margaret's C of E Primary School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://www.st-margarets.durham.sch.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)