Chelsey Loveday
Nikki Murrell
Hilary Hall
How we support students with their mental health at The Farnley Academy
Student wellbeing is absolutely paramount to us here at The Farnley Academy. We ensure that students develop high quality relationships and experience a calm and consistent environment at all times as an aspect of our trauma informed approach. The quality of education and engagement of student voice allows students to feel empowered within the setting and this will be the only support many students will need during their time at the academy. However for some students additional support is needed to manage the emotional challenges which many young people have to face. Our inclusion team have undertaking training on numerous aspects of emotional wellbeing such as mental health and bereavement enabling them to support students when required. Any referral for support should go to the appropriate Key stage Lead who would facilitate coaching or mentoring where appropriate.
GIPSIL
For those students who need a higher level of intervention the school has engaged GIPSIL Community, Health and Prevention Team (CHP) to facilitate a professional Counselling service on site. GIPSIL works with children, young people and families in Leeds to provide them with support and resources they need to thrive.
The CHP team offer Counselling and Wellbeing support for children and young people across primary and secondary schools across Leeds. GIPSIL (CHP) are an organisational member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They are committed to supporting individuals and their families through tailored interventions. By fostering collaboration with School and other local organisations, CHP ensures accessible, impactful support that makes a meaningful difference. All of the work they do is underpinned by the GIPSIL values of Compassion, Courage and Collaboration.
The therapist can support young people dealing with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, self harm, bereavement, using a combination of talking therapy and creative techniques. Sessions are weekly, 1:1 and tailored to individual needs. Students can access 8 – 12 sessions and the sessions take place during the school day.
How you can seek help inside and outside school
If you have any concerns or worries, please speak to any trusted adult in school, so that they can make sure that support is put in place. Every year group has a dedicated inclusion officer, who will provide wellbeing support whenever it is needed.
If you want to ask for help online, you can do so using the Tell Us button at the top of the page. Please remember that you need to include your name if you want a member of staff to follow up with you.
There are also lots of support services online, we have a directory of organisations on our wellbeing page here. The MindMate website includes an up-to-date directory that explains all the mental health services available in Leeds.
