Mental Health and Wellbeing
We all have times when we can feel overwhelmed by life and its challenges. DLC is committed to working closely with our pupils to ensure that they receive timely, appropriate and relevant support, to ensure that the prioritise their own mental health and wellbeing.
All staff receive ongoing training in supporting our pupils in a trauma informed way, ensuring that pupils receive individual support to overcome any challenging emotions which may prevent them from learning to the best of their abilities.
DLC embeds its behaviour policy in the view that challenging behaviour is an indicator of an unmet emotional need, so aims to explore these needs with pupils and find the very best way to support a pupil. Two staff members have obtained the Diploma in Trauma Informed School, and both the Head and Deputy Headteacher have attended Trauma Informed School training for school leaders. Pupils are offered a range of wellbeing support at DLC, including ELSA, THRIVE, LEGO Therapy, wellbeing walks with Willow, trips offsite, swimming and gymnastics. We work closely with other local wellbeing support organisations including the Horse Course and Dorset Wellbeing.
DLC has a Senior Lead for Mental Health, Jayne Lewis and also two Mental Health First Aiders, Jayne Lewis and Debbie Guyler. If you are concerned for the wellbeing or mental health of a child, please speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team, 01305 261213.
The following are also very helpful organisations to contact:
Young Minds: Committed to improving children’s wellbeing and mental health
Kooth: an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop devices. Chat: Wellbeing community with live chat for 11-18 years - kooth.com
Dorset Mind: https://dorsetmind.uk/
Chat Health: safe and easy for you to speak to a qualified health professional. Just send a message, you don’t have to give your name. You’ll get confidential advice from trained health staff in your area. 07480 635511
Text: 24/7 mental health support Text SHOUT to 85258
Connection 24/7 :mental health helpline 0800 652 0190
Search: dorsetyouth.com/mental-health
Dorset CAMHS: The Dorset CAMHS service doesn't just provide support to children and young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties, they also offer support to parents and carers too, and work closely with the family as a whole to agree and provide the best treatment for a young person under their care.