On 10th October Walworth Special school in Aycliffe highlighted the nationally growing problem among children, that of their mental health. One in ten children are likely to have a mental health problem in any given year.
This can have a huge impact on the everyday lives of many young people. Sadly it can effect relationships, enjoyment of school, simply getting through a day and the pleasure of life itself.
A recent innovation within Walworth has been the introduction of a CAMHS mental health worker for two days each week. The role is to support all our children across a whole range of issues that will help them to cope better with every day life.
It addresses their overall well-being and the children develop strategies that will hopefully serve them into adolescence and beyond to allow them to take up a meaningful place in their environment.
The highlight of World Mental Health day was the release of 60 yellow balloons all carrying away a negative feeling the children wanted to release. Staff in school spend a lot of time with children`s emotions as they are often an indicator that there may be deeper issues which need addressing to ensure a quality of life that can be valued by both the individual and society.
Head Teacher Mr Peter Wallbanks said that, “everyone in School is both excited and delighted that we believe we can now offer all our children a much more consistent, professional approach within this vital area, offering all of our children a much clearer and consistent pathway of support”.
