Intent

At KITE College, we are dedicated to promoting positive mental health and well-being for every member of our community. This strategy outlines our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where learners and staff can thrive. Our approach is built on the principles of prevention, early intervention, and continuous support, ensuring that everyone feels empowered to seek help and access resources as needed.

 Strategic Objectives

1. Promote Positive Mental Health: Create an environment that fosters emotional resilience and well-being for all.
2. Enhance Awareness and Understanding: Provide education and resources that increase awareness of mental health issues.
3. Identify Early Warning Signs: Train staff to recognise early signs of mental health challenges to facilitate timely intervention.
4. Support Individual Needs: Develop tailored support systems for learners experiencing mental health challenges, including Individual Care Plans.
5. Engage the Community: Foster collaboration between learners, parents, and local mental health resources to build a supportive network.

Implementation

1. Promoting Positive Mental Health

– Whole-College Approaches: Implement school-wide initiatives such as Mental Health Awareness Days, workshops, and campaigns that celebrate mental well-being.
– Mindfulness and Resilience Programs: Introduce programs that teach mindfulness, stress management, and coping strategies as part of the curriculum.
– Small group intervention on different topics: sleep hygiene, coping with anxiety, anger management, social skills and positive relationships, talk groups

2. Enhancing Awareness and Understanding

– PSHE Curriculum Integration: Embed mental health education into the PSHE curriculum, ensuring learners learn about various mental health issues, coping mechanisms, and resources available.
– Workshops and Guest Speakers: Organise regular workshops and invite mental health professionals to speak to learners and staff about mental health topics.

3. Identifying Early Warning Signs

– Staff Training: Provide ongoing professional development for all staff, focusing on identifying and responding to early warning signs of mental health issues.
– Mental Health First Aid: Train designated staff in Mental Health First Aid to ensure immediate support is available when needed.

4. Supporting Individual Needs

– Individual Care Plans: Co-create personalised care plans for learners diagnosed with mental health conditions, detailing specific support measures and emergency contacts.
– Counselling: 1-1 weekly counselling sessions with trained therapist
– Speech and language therapy: 1-1 or small group intervention to improve speech and language skills
– Occupational Health Therapy: 1-1 personalised intervention
– Referral System: Establish a streamlined referral process to CAMHS and local mental health services, managed by the Mental Health Lead.

5. Engaging the Community

– Parent and Carer Workshops: Organise workshops to educate parents on recognising mental health issues and how to support their children.
– Resource Hub: Create a dedicated area on the College website and in common spaces that provides information about mental health resources, support services, and how to access them.

6. Supporting Peers

– Peer Wellbeing Champions: Train learners to become Peer Wellbeing Champions who can provide support and promote mental health awareness among their peers.
– Support Groups: Establish peer-led support groups for learners to share experiences and coping strategies in a safe environment.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation

– Feedback Mechanism: Implement a system for learners and staff to provide feedback on mental health initiatives, ensuring ongoing improvement.
– Regular Assessment: Conduct regular assessments of the mental health strategy’s effectiveness through surveys and focus groups to adapt and refine approaches based on community needs.

By implementing this Mental Health Strategy, KITE College reaffirms its commitment to creating a nurturing environment where every member can achieve their potential and contribute positively to our community.