Hi,
I’m Jane O’Thy and many of you will know me as one of the RMPS and Philosophy teachers at Boroughmuir. I also have the role of Health and Well-being coordinator at Boroughmuir. As part of this I am working with staff and pupils to improve the well-being of all members of the school community.
As a parent I know that there can be times when knowing how best to support your child. And my children are not even close to the teenage years yet. But having taught for several years I know that watching a young person grow and develop into an adult is one of the most rewarding things we can do.
This section of our website is designed to point parents in the right direction to find practical advice and suggestions for supporting your child.
The use of parent in this section does not only refer to biological parents, but to caregiver or guardian involved in the raising of children. Parenting is often not the work of one or two people, as it takes a village to raise a child, so anyone involved in the care of young people may find this information useful.
You will also find links to sites that support parents as well as so that if you find yourself struggling with an issue then there are people that you can turn to for help and support. One of the most important aspects of caring for others is ensuring that you can look after yourself as well, so you will also find advice and support for your own health and well-being.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, just a collection of sites that will hopefully help.
Exam guidance for parents
Exams can be a difficult time for young people and knowing the right things to say and do can be difficult. Luckily there is a lot of advice and support available. The below websites offer guidance for parents and carers on how best to support your young people at this time.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zckydxs
Young Minds
a charity that operates to help young people to understand their mental health better and offer support and guidance. There are also sections to help parents better support their children as well as offering support for parents themselves through webchats and phone lines as well as advice.
They are not part of CAHMS but can help you understand the way that CAHMS works and guide you to help and support.
CAMHS
Children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) is used as a term for all services that work with children and young people who have difficulties with their mental health or wellbeing. They are sometimes still known as CYPMHS. The links here will provide information on the services that they offer and guidance on what you could expect with a CAMHS referral.
NHS Lothian Information on CAMHS
NHS Overview
Information for Parents and Carers
Young Minds guide to CAMHS
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/guide-to-camhs/
Mind Guide to CAMHS
Information for young people on CAMHS – Mind
SAMH
There is advice on a wide variety of topics that can impact families and links to other areas that can offer support. There is also advice on how to start the conversation with your child.
Family Lives
Is a charity that provides advice on a wide range of topics that may be relevant to your child including body image, sleep and exercising
UNICEF Parenting
This was launched by UNICEF to help parents give their child the best possible start in life. There are resources for every stage in a child’s life. They are also lobbying to help children and parents around the world. There is information on a vast variety of topics including social media, bullying, racism, conflict, and discipline
Four things that you can help your teen with their mental health, including the importance of looking after yourself
How to have a mental health conversation with your young person, divided into age categories
Parent Club
Has advice on all levels of parenting and guides for conversations with your child on a variety of topics
Mental Health
Resilience
Health and Support for Parents
Resilience Framework
The Boing-Boing network has researched Resilience and have created the resilience framework and resilient therapy toolkit was created for parents by young people who have had some issues with their mental health.
Additional Support
When we are supporting others or looking at mental health issues it can often bring up unresolved issues and impact our own mental health. If you are feeling in crisis please contact your GP.
Alternatively, there are links below that may offer some support:
Breathing Space: https://breathingspace.scot a free, confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland. – Telephone: 0800 838587
Shout: www.giveusashout.org – 24-hour text support, start your text with CONNECT
Samaritans: www.samaritans.org – 24-hour telephone support
LGBT Youth Scotland
Boroughmuir High School’s staff and Gender Sexuality Alliance has been working to complete the LGBT Youth Scotland Schools Charter. We aim to promote positive attitudes across the school as well as an inclusive community to all students, staff and their families. LGBT Youth Scotland provides quality youth work to LGBTI young people and works in partnership for LGBTI equality and human rights. They provide support and advice for both pupils and parents. Boroughmuir Gender Sexuality Alliance meets every Wednesday lunchtime in room 3.01.
