January 2024
Dear Parents/Carers
I hope you all had a good time over the school Christmas holiday period and that the start to the new year has been good.
January is often seen as the most difficult month for young people and families and with this in mind I wanted to signpost you to some of the things Erdington Academy are providing and also what is available from agencies in the wider community.
I would like to let families know about the amazing support our School Parent and Family Association (PTFA) have given to the school and the safeguarding team in school. Through fund raising activities the PTFA have been able to buy and donate many resources that our students can have free access to. These include female sanitary products, hygiene products such as deodorant, toothpaste, tooth brushes, shampoo, shower gels, soap etc. All of these products are on display for students to help themselves to outside Mr Davies and Miss Harvey’s office. If you would like any of these products for your child please ask them to come and collect what they need, or alternatively give me a call and I will arrange for a support pack of goods to go home with your child.
Miss Harvey is our school Mental Health Lead and Family Support Officer in school. She has a wealth of experience working with families during difficult times. If there is any support she can offer your child or your family please contact her.
Below is an update from Miss Harvey about resources and agencies that families can turn to for support out of school
Mental Health
There are a range of mental health support apps that we recommend to our students through stem4.
CALM HARM – to help teenagers resist or manage the urge to self-harm
CLEAR FEAR – to help children and young people manage the symptoms of anxiety
MOVE MOOD – to help teenagers manage low mood and depression
WORTH WARRIOR – to help young people manage low self-worth, poor body image and related eating disorders
COMBINED MINDS – to help families and friends provide mental health support
there is a free Stem4 ‘Creating Positive Relationships’ webinar for parents and carers on Thursday 25th January at 7pm. Sign up via their website: stem4.org.uk
The website also contains blogs and podcasts for parents and carers.
Family Support
Early Help focuses on building on a family’s strengths and interests to offer positive, practical support and help manage difficult issues and challenges. Compass Support works with community, voluntary and faith sectors, health, family support, Police, schools, further education, nurseries, children’s centres, health visitors and GPs to coordinate support for families. If you think your family needs support you can contact Compass Support directly for advice on 0121 303 8461 or contact the school’s Family Support Worker.
If you are experiencing difficulties in regard to housing, you can access the Housing Advice Surgery drop in every Wednesday 10am-12pm at Erdington Wellbeing Hub, 196 High Street, B236SJ.
Kind Regards
Jason Halstead DSL
Assistant Principal
