Mental health support teams can help with how you are feeling at school. Sometimes we are called MHST.

This page has more information for children at primary school. It explains who we are and how we can help.

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Your mental health is about your mind and feelings.

  • How you think and feel - happy, sad, worried, excited.
  • How you handle problems
  • How you get along with other people

Looking after your mental health is really important.

We’re here to help you feel your best.

Sometimes you can feel worried, sad, cross, or upset. This can make it harder to learn, enjoy school, or have fun with friends.

We can teach you simple things to help you feel better and cope with these tricky feelings.

We can help when things feel tough. We can also help you look after your mind every day, so you feel strong and ready for whatever comes next.

Sometimes we meet with you on your own, or in a small group. Other times we might do a class workshop or a school assembly.

If we think someone else could help you better, we’ll make sure you, your school, and your parent or carer know how to get support.

We also talk to your teachers and other school staff so they can help in the best way possible.

When you talk to someone from our team, you can make choices.

This is called consent. It means you can say “yes” or “no” to things, like answering a question or trying an activity.

You can always ask us to explain something again, or tell us if you don’t feel comfortable.

Most of what you tell us is private. This means we don’t go and tell other people.

Sometimes it helps to talk with your parent or carer (your grown-up), because they help to look after you.

We will only share what is needed to support you. We will listen if there is something you want to keep just between us.

When we have to tell someone

There is one time we must share information, even if you don’t want us to.

This is if we are worried that you or someone else is not safe. For example, if someone is hurting you, or you might hurt yourself.

If this happens, we will talk to a trusted adult who can help. We will explain to you what is happening and why.

You are not in trouble, we just want to help keep you safe.

You, your parent or carer, or your teacher might notice you need some help with your feelings.

You and your parent or carer will be asked if it is okay for us to help.

Someone in school will talk with you (and your parent or carer) to understand what support might help.

Your school will tell our team the main things you want help with.

We will think about what kind of support could help you.

Then we’ll talk with you, your parent or carer, and your school about what we can offer.

Someone friendly from our team will come and talk to you. This is called an assessment.

We want to understand how things have been going for you, and what might help.

If we think we can help, we will arrange a time to chat with you.

Don’t worry - it isn’t a test, and you don’t need to prepare. It’s just a conversation about how you’re feeling.

We will also talk to your parent or carer, so we understand how to support you at home and at school.

Hearing your thoughts - and the thoughts of the grown-ups who look after you - helps us support you in the best way possible.

We want to help keep you safe and feeling okay.

When we first meet, we will talk with you and your grown-ups about how we can help.

We might ask about any big worries, scary thoughts, or times when you haven’t felt safe.

Together, we can make a plan to help you feel safer. We will make sure the grown-ups who look after you know how to help.

You might have 6, 7 or 8 sessions with someone from our team. Each session usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.

Sometimes it will be just you. Sometimes your parent or carer can join if that helps you feel more comfortable.

In these sessions, you will learn simple ways to understand your thoughts and feelings, and how to cope when things feel hard.

We use something called CBT. It stands for cognitive behavioural therapy.

This is a way of learning how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected. It also shows you what you can do when you feel worried, sad, or stressed.

If you’re unsure about anything or feel worried, you can talk to your teacher or mental health lead at school. You can also talk to someone from our team.

We are all here to help and listen to you.