To report safeguarding concerns, please see our safeguarding page for guidance.
At Longfield Academy we are committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all students. We support students by advocating mental health within the academy and signposting services that are available for students and parents. We continue to support our students’ well-being through our College Leaders, Student Support teams and Tutors who are in regular contact with families who require help or advice.
The school offers a broad and rich personal development programme. It provides pupils with strong pastoral support, including support for pupils’ mental health. – Ofsted 2023
Anxiety is at high levels for so many young people and mental health has an impact on attendance, achievement and behaviour. Having effective intervention at the first stages of concern is key to preventing problems from escalating, therefore it is also important to reduce mental health stigma and feel comfortable talking about what impacts our mental health and wellbeing.
There is a wide range of support available for families to access, but sometimes it can be a challenge finding help to support your child’s current needs.
Resources and Support
Below you can find a range of useful links to organisations and charities who are set up to support young people, and their families, with mental health and wellbeing related questions or concerns. You may also find this Mental Health Support Guide for Young People particularly helpful.
A guide for students to help them cope and manage exam stress from the UK Government
If you need urgent help or support in a crisis, Youngminds can help. There are also a number of resources to help support families and young people.
Online support for parents/carers and young people. Advice and guidance for parents/carers to help them support a child or young person experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing. On My Mind aims to empower young people to make informed choices about their mental health and wellbeing.
Kent Youth Health has lots of useful information and resources for teenagers in Kent. Find out what’s normal for teenagers, how to cope with any bumps on the road and where to go to get help if you need it. Parents and young people can make referrals for support.
An online mental wellbeing community. Access 365 days a year to counsellors who are available 12 noon – 10pm on Monday-Friday, and from 6pm –10pm at weekends. Access via mobile, laptop or tablet.
Chat online with a counsellor about whatever’s worrying you. Either send a message, call, or read and post to the message boards. Contact: 08001111.
Based at Medway Hospital. Youth Workers providing short term support for young people who find themselves struggling with self-harm or feeling suicidal. Available from 7pm-11pm Tuesday to Thursday. Contact: Telephone 07983136215 or email hellomedway@emergeadvocacy.com
Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline.