Wellbeing at Torquay Girls Grammar School
Links to Wellbeing Resources at Torquay Girls Grammar School:
Wellbeing is a multi-faceted concept involving much more than just physical health. It’s a combination of a person's emotional, mental and social health and it also reflects how they feel about themselves and their life in general.
We recognise that good mental health and wellbeing is essential for our students. It helps them to learn effectively, cope with day-to-day challenges, and develop into resilient young adults. Wellbeing is linked to improved academic achievement, enhanced mental health and responsible life choices.
There are lots of resources and organisations that can also support the mental health and wellbeing of your children, young people and family. Below are some websites / organisations that you may find useful. This is not an exhaustive list.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions included within these external organisations do not necessarily mirror the views and opinions of the school. It is not the responsibility of the school to advise, monitor or be liable for the content of these external organisations. Use of any information obtained from such organisations is voluntary, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness and suitability for the intended audience.
Counselling Support Services
At TGGS we offer 1:1 counselling, provided by qualified integrative counsellors with additional qualifications in working with young people. Our counselling service is available to all students and there is a counsellor available every day during term time. Counselling provides a safe, non-judgemental and confidential setting for students to explore any problems they may be experiencing. Commonly raised issues are relationships, exam stress, low self-esteem, bereavement, anxiety, family problems, self-harm and suicidal ideation, low mood, and eating disorders, but students can discuss anything that is causing them worry or concern.
The therapeutic relationship is key for successful counselling. During the first session the student and counsellor will get to know each other. The student can decide if they think counselling is for them and, at the end of the session, decide if they would like future appointments. The choice is always left to the student. Students are encouraged to tell their parents that they are seeing a counsellor, but they don’t have to.
As counsellors, we work holistically with each student, understanding that they are individuals. We use a variety of techniques, including creative work. Our aim is that the young person gains a greater understanding of themselves, builds up inner strength, and discovers solutions to the problems facing them.
Our counselling service works within the BACP Ethical Framework of Good Practice. Any safeguarding concerns will be referred to our Designated Safeguarding Lead.
To refer yourself, or a young person in your care, for counselling, please complete the relevant form and return it to: counsellingsupport@tggsacademy.org
Young Person Self-Referral Form
Please note: we are currently operating a waiting list. Referals will be prioritised according to our professional assessment of most urgent need.
What our students like about the TGGS counselling service:
“Being able to speak without judgement”
“Freedom to talk in a safe space”
Useful Links:
The Anna Freud Centre: www.annafreud.org
Young Minds: www.youngminds.org.uk
Mind: www.mind.org.uk
Kooth online counselling: www.kooth.com
Pooky Knightsmith mental health support: www.pookyknightsmith.com
Helen Parminter
Helen Parminter has worked for TGGS since 2020 after completing her placement hours here and at local community centres. She is a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has experience working with adults and children on a variety of issues, however she specialises in working with children and young people.
Helen is an integrative counsellor that works in the best interests of each individual. She is passionate about supporting our students, helping them to make positive changes and to develop resilience that will not only be beneficial for them now, but also for their futures.
Helen has a degree in Geography from the university of Nottingham; her counselling qualifications consist of levels 3 and 4 in integrative counselling and level 5 in working therapeutically with children and young people. She lives in Exeter with her partner, daughter, dog, cat, hamster and tortoise. When not working Helen loves nothing more than taking her daughter out to lovely places, taking long walks on the moor and camping. She loves being out in nature as much as possible and enjoys travel with her family.
Contact: counsellingsupport@tggsacademy.org
Mental Health Support Team 
Since February 2024, TGGS has been a Mental Health Support Team school. This Pathway helps children and young people in Devon (excluding Plymouth) who are experiencing mild to moderate common mental health difficulties (anxiety, low mood and behavioural difficulties etc).
Please visit their website below to find out more information on the support they offer. Parents can refer directly to the MHST, or we can support with a referral in school.
https://childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk/our-pathways/mental-health-support-team/
Signposting for families:
|
The UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health. Help and information for young people, parents and anyone working with young people. ‘’We provide young people with tools to look after their mental health. We empower adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives. And we give young people the space and confidence to get their voices heard and change the world we live in.’ |
|
|
‘’Family Lives (formerly Parentline Plus) is a charity that has over three decades of experience in helping parents deal with the changes that are a constant part of family life. We know that many people play active roles in the raising of children within any family, from Dads, Grandparents, stepparents and non-resident parents. Our role is to support all of you to achieve the best relationship possible with the children that you care about. We recognise that the best way to support families is to provide FREE professional, non-judgmental support and advice in a way that all members of the family can access. We therefore provide a 24 Hour helpline, a really useful website, message boards, email service, live chat and parenting/relationship support groups – the great news is that all of the services are FREE and you can contact us 24/7 365 days a year.For parents of teenagers visit the got a teenager website with online forums and advice, parenting courses and lots of useful tips and ideas. www.gotateenager.org.uk |
|
|
There is always a PLACE for parents and carers in children & young people’s mental health PLACE provides a structured safe space to support individuals/organisations who are providing or establishing parent-carer support (PCPS) in CYPMH. The PLACE Network aims to develop, promote and sustain parent and carer support (PCPS) and involvement in children and young people’s mental health across the UK. Parents and carers with lived experience of supporting a child with mental health issues and professionals with an interest in parent support meet monthly to share practice and ideas. One of the key objectives of the PLACE Network is to connect existing parent and carer support groups/projects or those with an interest in developing one. Our interactive map below shows some of the mental health focused parent and carer support groups from around the country who are currently members. |
|
|
MindEd is a free educational resource on children, For Parents and CarersAre you a parent or carer who is concerned about the mental health of your child or teenager? Do you just want some hints and tips on parenting? MindEd for Families has advice and information from trusted experts and will help you to understand what problems occur, what you can do to best support your family, and how to take care of yourself. MindEd for Families is written by a team of specialists and parents, working together. Free parent help-line. |
|
|
This is for you if you work, volunteer or are studying to work with infants, children, teenagers or adults. MindEd has elearning applicable across the health, social care, education, criminal justice and community settings. It is aimed at anyone from beginner through to specialist. |
|
|
Across the UK and internationally, the Solihull Approach supports mental health and wellbeing in parents, children, schools, older adults and high stress workplaces through an evidence based model in trainings, online courses and resources. |
|
|
Our free FamilyLine service tackles these issues in a new and innovative way by using a network of volunteers from across the country to support family members over the age of 18 through telephone calls, email and text message. The service aims to:
|
|
|
The Dove Self-Esteem project is helping young people reach their full life potential by delivering quality body confidence and self-esteem education. |
|
|
The Anna Freud Centre Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families Parents and Carers | Advice and Guidance | Anna Freud Centre |
The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families (Anna Freud NCCF) is a children's charity Dedicated to providing training and support for child mental health services. They provide training courses and conferences, research units, online networks, and online resources. Anna Freud NCCF also offers services and resources for young people and their families. Parents & Carers – offers advice and guidance to help them support and child or young person experiencing poor mental health & wellbeing. On My Mind aims to empower young people to make informed choices about their mental health & wellbeing. Free Confidential text line for parents and carers |
|
Evidence based resources covering a wide selection of topics advising and supporting parents who have children or teenagers with mental health problems. |
|
|
Our vision is for equality, rights, the fair treatment and maximum quality of life for all those affected by mental illness, their carers, family and friends. As one of the largest charitable providers of services for people living with mental illness, we are well placed to make a direct impact on the care people receive. |
|
|
Free digital mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK |
|
| Parents' Toolkit is the place for mums, dads and the whole parenting community to find stories, expert advice and fun activities that will help you support your child in a changing world. | |
|
What does Kooth provide? Kooth offers emotional and mental health support for children and young people aged between 11 and 24. On Kooth, qualified counsellors are online seven days a week to provide young people using the service with online counselling, through chat-based messaging via drop-in or booked sessions. |
|
|
5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing |
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life. |
|
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. Together we will transform the state of student mental health so that all in higher education can thrive. |
|
|
We have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and school and college staff can get the advice and help they need. |