19 October 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
Supporting Our Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing
On 10th October, we marked World Mental Health Day, an annual event that raises awareness of the importance of mental health and encourages open conversations about emotional wellbeing. World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity for us all to reflect on how we can support ourselves, our children, and those around us.
At school, we recognise that good mental health is just as important as physical health. Children and young people face many pressures, including friendships, social media, family changes, academic demands and concerns about the wider world. While experiencing a range of emotions is a normal part of growing up, there are times when additional support and understanding can make a significant difference.
How Parents Can Support Mental Wellbeing at Home
There are several simple but effective strategies that can help young people maintain positive mental health:
- Make time to talk and listen without judgement. Sometimes young people simply need to know that someone is there to listen.
- Encourage regular routines, including consistent sleep patterns, healthy eating and physical activity.
- Limit excessive screen time and encourage opportunities for face-to-face social interaction.
- Help children name and understand their emotions, reassuring them that all feelings are valid.
- Celebrate effort and progress, rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
- Spend quality time together, whether through family meals, walks, games or shared activities.
- Model positive self-care, showing children that looking after our own wellbeing is important too.
Research consistently shows that talking openly about mental health and having supportive conversations can improve wellbeing and help young people feel understood and connected.
Signs That a Young Person May Need Additional Support
While every child is different, some signs that may indicate a child is struggling include:
- Noticeable changes in mood or behaviour
- Withdrawal from friends or activities they usually enjoy
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Increased anxiety or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Persistent low mood or loss of confidence
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, please contact the school. We are here to work in partnership with families and can help identify appropriate support.
Sources of Support
The following organisations provide trusted advice and support for children, young people and parents:
Young Minds
- Information, advice and practical guidance for parents and young people.
- https://www.youngminds.org.uk [birmingham.gov.uk]
Mind
- Mental health information and support services.
- https://www.mind.org.uk [mind.org.uk]
NHS Every Mind Matters
- Expert advice on supporting wellbeing, reducing stress and building resilience.
- https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
Birmingham Support Services
PAUSE (The Children’s Society & Forward Thinking Birmingham) PAUSE is a free emotional wellbeing service for young people under 25 who are registered with a Birmingham GP. It provides drop-in sessions where young people can talk about worries relating to school, friendships, family life, anxiety, low mood and more. Parents and carers can also access support regarding their child’s wellbeing. There are no referrals or waiting lists.
Website: https://forwardthinkingbirmingham.nhs.uk/pause/ [forwardthi…ham.nhs.uk]
Forward Thinking Birmingham A comprehensive mental health partnership supporting children, young people and young adults aged 0-25 across Birmingham. [bsmhft.nhs.uk]
Website: https://forwardthinkingbirmingham.nhs.uk [bsmhft.nhs.uk]
Living Well Provides free health and wellbeing services for young people across the West Midlands. [birmingham.gov.uk]
In a Crisis
If a young person is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, call 999.
Other urgent support services include:
- NHS 111 for urgent mental health advice.
- Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7).
- Shout: Text 85258 for free, confidential crisis support.
- Childline: 0800 1111.
- PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK: 0800 068 4141 for young people experiencing thoughts of suicide or those concerned about them. [childrenss…ety.org.uk]
Thank you for your continued support. By working together, we can help ensure that our children feel safe, valued and able to thrive both emotionally and academically.
Yours sincerely,
Mr J Halstead
Assistant Principal