Therapeutic Support and intervention:
At the Ruth Gorse Academy, we continually strive to ensure students receive timely mental health support and interventions to meet their emotional and mental health needs. Therapeutic and mental health interventions delivered in the academy provide a safe, confidential and nurturing space where students can explore their feelings, overcome challenges and build the resilience they need to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.
To support students emotional and mental health needs we deliver a range of therapeutic interventions within the academy, delivered by both professionals within the academy and externally commissioned services.
How we support students:
The Mindmate Support team work alongside education settings to offer strategic support around developing whole setting approaches to emotional wellbeing. The Mindmate Support team is part of a national mental health support team project, commissioned by the Government to ensure all children have access to timely emotional wellbeing support.
The Mindmate Support team have produced a range of self-help workbooks and booklets designed to help young people manage common mental health difficulties. See the link below to the booklets.
For further information regarding the Mindmate Support Team, please see the leaflet below.
We have a fully qualified GIPSIL Counsellor based in the academy three days per week to provide short term therapy to support students with a range of emotional and mental health needs. GIPSIL can provide support for students who are experiencing low mood, anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-harm, attachment difficulties and have experienced loss and bereavement.
Counselling sessions are delivered 1:1 on a weekly basis in a dedicated therapeutic space within the academy. Student typically access 8-12 counselling sessions.
Please see the link below to access additional information regarding GIPSIL counselling services for children and young people.
Within the academy, we employ a range of professionals who hold responsibility for leading and developing the SEND, Safeguarding and Health, Wellbeing and Therapeutic strategy and provision.
General Health Support
| Agency | Website | Information provided |
|---|---|---|
NHS |
www.nhs.uk | The NHS website offers a range of supportive material and resources from medical professionals. This includes audio narrations, for example, on managing stress, sleep patterns, coping strategies for managing anxiety. Advice can also be sought in terms of any medical issues which arise.
If a young person is at crisis point please take straight to Accident and Emergency at Leeds General Infirmary. |
West Yorkshire Healthier Together |
https://wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk/health-young-people | Provides consistent, accurate and trustworthy healthcare advice to parents/carers, young people and professionals on a range of health-related topics including common illnesses & when, where and how to seek medical help if your child is unwell. There is also a range of advice and links to support and information on a range of topics including mental health, sleep, sexual health, LGBTQIA+, bullying, alcohol and exercise. |
0-19 Public Health Integrated Nursing Service, Chat Health Support: |
https://www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-a-z/0-19-health-and-wellbeing/chathealth/ | If you are aged 11-19 years you can text a 0-19 Specialist Public Health Nurse (formerly known as School Nurses) on 07520 619750 to access confidential health support and advice on a range of health issues (Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm). Advice and support can be provided on a range of health-related topics including sexual health, emotional health and wellbeing, bullying, healthy eating and general health concerns. |
Health Matters |
https://www.stephenlongfellow.leeds.sch.uk/health-matters/ | The Health Matters page, developed by professionals at The Stephen Longfellow Academy, provides signposting support and information for both parents/carers and young people on a wide range of topics that can impact on both physical and mental health, including signposting to services who provide support on substance misuse, mental health, parental outreach and exam preparation (in addition to many other agencies and resources). |
Mental Health Support
| Agency | Website | Information provided |
|---|---|---|
Samaritans |
www.samaritans.org | Encourages children and adults to talk about their own mental health needs and provides top tips for managing mental health during crisis. |
Mindmate |
https://mindmate.org.uk/ | Mindmate can help children and young people in Leeds find help and information in relation to their mental health and wellbeing. The Mindmate website is an information hub providing details about support services, advice and information on common mental health difficulties, self-help guidance, plus young people’s stories and experiences. |
| Mindmate SPA |
https://www.mindmate.org.uk/im-a-professional/leeds-mindmate-single-point-access/ | Mindmate SPA identifies emotional wellbeing and mental health support for children and young people in Leeds, working in partnership with a range of services in Leeds to provide the most appropriate support. Children and young people referred to the service must be registered with a Leeds GP and be aged 18 years or under.
For neurodevelopment referrals (Autism and ADHD) please seek support from your child’s school via the Special Educational Needs & Disability Coordinator (SENDCo) – please see the SEND section of our website for further advice regarding professionals in the academy who can provide further advice on this (via the Parents and Carers tab). The Mindmate SPA website also includes a range of information and resources providing advice on a range of mental health needs for children, young people, parents and carers. There is also a link on the website providing advice if you need urgent advice regarding your child’s mental health or you are a young person seeking urgent support with your mental health. |
CAMHS Crisis Line |
https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/services-directory/leeds-camhs-crisis-call-line-team/ | Are you a young person struggling to cope? Are you a parent/carer who is worried about their child’s mental health? The Child and Adolescent Mental Health service (CAMHS) in Leeds has set up a freephone crisis call line to support children and young people who are struggling with their mental health. Children, young people and their parents/carers can contact the crisis number if they require urgent advice regarding their or their child’s mental health.CAMHS Crisis line is open 7 days a week, 365 days per year, 8am – 8pm. Freephone 0800 953 0505. |
Night Owls Service |
https://www.lslcs.org.uk/services/night-owls-helpline/ | Night Owls is a confidential overnight support line for children, young people and their parents/carers, who live in Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, who are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to. Night Owls is available 8pm – 8am every day (including weekends and bank holidays).
Call: Freephone 0800 1488 244 or Text: 07984 392700 or click the night Owls button on the website to talk online. |
Finding support in a mental health crisis |
https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/ | A mental health website for people in Leeds to find further details regarding mental health support in the city. Includes a range of advice if you are wanting further information regarding looking after your own mental health and wellbeing, looking after others or you are a professional wanting further advice and information. |
| Crisis – where to access support poster. |
https://www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/advice-support/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/P655-Crisis-poster-2020.pdf | Provides contact numbers and websites of agencies that can provide support in for those in crisis, including agencies providing support for those with financial, housing and gambling difficulties; support for those experiencing sexual violence and domestic violence & abuse. |
Safezone |
https://www.lslcs.org.uk/services/safe-zone/ | Immediate support helpline for children aged between 11-18 years old. This service provides children with emotional support offering the opportunity to have a one hour phone call each night with a specially trained member of staff. |
| Teen Connect
|
https://www.lslcs.org.uk/services/connect-helpline/teen-connect/ | Immediate support helpline for children aged between 11-18 years old. This service provides children with emotional support offering the opportunity to have a one hour phone call each night with a specially trained member of staff.
Call: 07984436680 |
Soluna by Kooth |
https://connect.kooth.com/soluna-in-the-uk-key-info | Kooth is the UK’s largest and longest established digital mental health service. We partner with NHS and local authority organisations to deliver online mental health support to young people from age 10 and up. Soluna by Kooth has been co-designed with young people to provide a fresh, easier-to-use experience, plus it contains new tools and features to help you build the life you want. |
| Shout
|
Text 85258 Website https://www.giveusashout.org/ |
Text service for anyone in crisis. They can speak to someone through a text message and get fast responses. This is a great service to use instead of having to speak top someone over the phone. |
| The MIX
|
https://www.themix.org.uk/mental-health | Provides essential support for those aged under 25 years of age on range of topics including sex & relationships, mental health, body image, alcohol & drugs, housing, money, work & study, crime & safety and travel & lifestyle. |
| Leeds Mind
|
https://www.leedsmind.org.uk/services/youth-in-mind/ | Provides mental health support for adults, children and young people. Access the website for further information on mental health support available for children and young people aged between 10 – 25 years. Leeds Mind can offer 1-1 or group support for young people experiencing mental health difficulties. |
Place2Be |
www.place2be.org.uk | Well-being activities and ideas for families to complete. Counselling services. Place2Be works in partnership with Shout a 24/7 text messaging service to support anyone in crisis, anytime, anywhere. |
Young Minds |
www.youngminds.org.uk | Text YoungMinds Crisis Messenger, for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. It also provides support and guidance for parents/carers to help support their children with managing their mental health. |
Anna Freud |
https://www.annafreud.org/ | Provides a range of information on mental health difficulties and support available for children and young people, including advice for those diagnosed with mental health difficulties such as advice regarding referrals to mental health support and treatment options. The website includes a large section on self-care strategies to help and support if experiencing difficulties with your mental health. The Anna Freud centre also has a crisis text service, providing free, confidential 24/7 text message support for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope: AFC Crisis Messenger: Text AFC to 85258 |
Battlescars – self harm support: |
https://www.battle-scars-self-harm.org.uk/ | Provides support and information for anybody affected by self-harm including children and young people, adults, family and friends of someone who self-harms and professionals wanting further information. |
Hub of Hope – Directory of services to support with mental health: |
https://hubofhope.co.uk/ | UK’s leading mental health support database/directory for those looking for mental health support. Simply enter your postcode into the initial page on the website to find details of local mental health support in your area. |
Mental Health Foundation: |
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ | Provides a range of information and advice for those looking for mental health support, either for themselves or family/friend. Includes A-Z of topics for those wanting to find more information about specific mental health difficulties; personal stories of those who have experienced mental health difficulties, articles on mental health topics and podcasts on a variety of mental health related subjects. |
| Childline
|
Website: www.childline.org.uk | To access a counsellor, they are there to listen and support you with anything you’d like to talk about. Or you can have a 1-2- counselling chat online. You can discuss anything you like from a disclosure of pregnancy, being a victim of bullying, feeling low and struggling with sleep patterns; to mental health issues, or general low mood. |
| BEAT – support for those with eating disorders:
|
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ | UK’s eating disorder charity. Provides a range of advice and information for those affected by or experiencing an eating disorder. BEAT Helpline: Calls to the helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones, open 365 days a year, 1pm-9pm Monday – Fridays & 5pm – 9pm on weekends and bank holidays. For those living in England:Call: 0808 801 0677 Email support: [email protected] |
| Time for Young People – new emotional and mental health support service for children & young people in Leeds
|
https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/young-people/well-being/services/time-leeds | Time for Young People is a new community based early emotional and mental health support service for children & young people living in Leeds (launched July 2024). This new service provides advice and support for those experiencing emotional difficulties such as feeling anxious, worried or stressed; difficulty in managing emotions, sleep difficulties and changes in mood. The service offers drop in support for children & young people (no appointment or referral is needed) – see website for further details regarding the dates, times and venues the drop in sessions are being held. |
Mental Health Support Apps
| Agency | Website | Information provided |
|---|---|---|
Calm Harm App (free app to help teenagers manage or resist the urge to self-harm): |
https://calmharm.co.uk/ | A free app to help those aged 12 years and over manage or resist the urge to self-harm. |
| Clear Fear App (free app to help children and young people manage symptoms of anxiety):
|
https://www.clearfear.co.uk/ | A free app to help those aged 12 years or over learn to reduce the physical responses that can often be associated with anxiety or panic, using Cognitive Behavioural Treatment (CBT) approaches. |
Move Mood App (free app to help teenagers manage low mood and depression): |
https://www.movemood.co.uk/ | A free app to help those aged 12 years or over with low mood and depression. The app uses evidence-based treatment Behavioural Activation Therapy to help improve mood. |
Worth Warrior App (a free app to help young people manage low self-worth, poor body image and related eating disorders): |
https://www.worthwarrior.co.uk/ | A free app created to help those aged 12 years and over to manage negative body image, low self-worth and related early-stage eating difficulties or disorders. |
Combined Minds App (a free app to help families and friends provide mental health support): |
https://combinedminds.co.uk/ | A free app developed to help families and friends support young people with their mental health. |
Stem 4 – Supporting Teenage Mental Health: |
https://stem4.org.uk/ | A charity that promotes positive mental health in teenagers and those who support them, including families and carers, education and health professionals through the provision of mental health education, resilience strategies and early intervention. Stem 4 created and developed the above mental health apps. |
Exam Support & Advice
| Agency | Website | Information provided |
|---|---|---|
| Coping with Exams Guide | Results Day Anxiety | A guide to provide support to children to manage results day anxiety and taking steps to celebrate success. |
Bereavement Support:
| Agency | Website | Information provided |
|---|---|---|
Child Bereavement UK: |
www.childbereavementuk.org/ | Child Bereavement UK work to provide support to families of children who have lost a loved one. |
|
Winston’s Wish:
|
https://www.winstonswish.org/ | Bereavement charity providing support for grieving children and their families. Call: Freephone helpline:08088 020 021 Email: [email protected] |
Sexual Health Support:
| Agency | Website | Information Provided |
|---|---|---|
|
Leeds Sexual Health:
|
https://www.leedssexualhealth.com/ | Provides a range of information and advice on all aspects of sexual health, including advice on contraception (including emergency contraception), sexually transmitted infections, sexual assault and rape and pregnancy. Services include pre-bookable appointments and drop-in sessions. Leeds sexual health service young person’s service provides a range of information and sexual health support for those aged under 18 years of age, including under 18’s drop-in sessions: – see website for further details. |
|
0-19 Public Health Integrated Nursing Service (School Nursing) Chat Health:
|
https://www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-a-z/0-19-health-and-wellbeing/chathealth/ | Provides health related advice for those aged 11-19 years, including sexual health advice from a 0-19 Specialist Public Health Nurse. Text: 07520 619750 (Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30am). |
|
Well Wave
|
https://wellwave.info/ | Well Wave provide a free, confidential sexual wellbeing service for 13 to 24 year olds in Leeds. Well Wave offer informal, non-judgemental support and information around sex and relationships, as well as tools and tests to help you take control and take care of your sexual health. |
Getting a good night’s sleep:
| Agency | Website | Information Provided |
|---|---|---|
|
Teen Sleep Hub – The Sleep Charity:
|
https://teensleephub.org.uk/ | A one stop hub for all you need to know about teen sleep, including advice on how to sleep better, advice regarding improving your sleep routine or help to understand the science behind sleep. National Sleep Helpline: 03303 530 541. |
Drug & Alcohol Support (including Vapes):
| Agency | Website | Information Provided |
|---|---|---|
|
Forward Leeds:
|
https://www.forwardleeds.co.uk/ | Free confidential alcohol and drug support for people in Leeds. Forward Leeds has a dedicated young person’s service providing confidential and non-judgmental advice and support to young people up to the age of 21 years. Young person’s service: Call 0113 887 2757 Text: 07525 265755 Email: [email protected] |
|
Ask Frank:
|
https://www.talktofrank.com/ | Website providing information and advice regarding substances and drugs, including vapes for children, young people, parents/carers and professionals. Call: 0300 1236600 (note this is not a free number – see website for further information regarding call costs) Text: 82111 (texts to FRANK cost the same as a standard text message) Send email to FRANK via website. |
Need crisis help or urgent support:
School Immunisations:
The School Immunisation team visits schools across Leeds to offer the following vaccinations to all children and young people.
| Vaccine | Website |
|---|---|
|
Year 8: All year 8 students will be offered the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine.
|
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/hpv-human-papillomavirus-vaccine/ |
|
Year 9: All year 9 students will be offered their teenage 3 in 1 booster for DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio) and Meningitis ACWY.
|
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/3-in-1-teenage-booster/ |
|
MenACWY vaccine
|
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/men-acwy-vaccine/ |
The school immunisation team will also take the opportunity to check students are up to date with their MMR (Mumps, Measles & Rubella) vaccine when they visit school, and will offer this to students who have missed their MMR vaccine previously.
| Vaccine | Website |
|---|---|
|
MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine
|
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/ |
For both the year 8 & 9 vaccinations you will need the unique school code included in the letter sent from the Academy regarding your child’s immunisations, to complete the online consent intent form.
If you have any queries regarding your child’s vaccinations in school, please contact the School Immunisation team on 0113 8433101 to discuss further, or email the immunisation team on [email protected]
Flu vaccines
Secondary School Vaccinations
This May Help campaign:
Please see the link below to access a range of videos providing advice and information on ways to support your child’s mental health and wellbeing, including advice on sleep, anxiety, self-harm, gaming and eating difficulties.
| Agency | Website |
|---|---|
|
All advice films:
|
https://thismayhelp.me/all-advice-films/ |
