Finding support for your health and well-being
Hi,
I’m Ms O’Thy and many of you will know me as one of the RMPS and Philosophy teachers here 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 one of your teachers I am aware that there are points where everyone needs some support and advice. To help you know where to go for help I have collated some of the websites that are there to help you. These websites will offer practical advice and support for you.
We all have different reactions to situations and anyone can have mental health issues. One of the most important things you can do is talk things through with someone you know and trust, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing that then these websites can offer support and helplines to call.
What to do if you are in a crisis and urgently need support
If you urgently need help and support these numbers are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and you will be able to speak to a trained counsellor.
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small. Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service. Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired. Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations. Opening times:24/7 0800 11 11
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger provides free crisis support if you are having a crisis – it’s every day of the week, at any time day or night. You just need to text YM to 85258. All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors. Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.
Samaritans are an organisation you can ring if at any time of the day or night. They will help you and listen to how you’re feeling. You can ring them on 116 123. You can also email them: jo@samartians.org Note that this is a listening service and they will be unable to offer advice.
SHOUT provides free, confidential, 24/7 text message support in the UK for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text 85258 for SHOUT the UK’s first 24/7 crisis text service on, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime.
Breathing Space: https://breathingspace.scot a free, confidential phone and web-based service for people in Scotland. – Telephone: 0800 838587
Young minds
Is 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 with understanding your feelings and supporting your friends who are struggling with their mental health.
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 young people:
Young minds guide to CAMHS:
Mind guide to CAMHS:
Information for young people on CAMHS – Mind
What to do if its all getting too much – blog and advice
What to do if you have an eating problem
SAMH
There is advice on a wide variety of topics that can impact you and advice on how to stay mentally and physically healthy and links to other areas that can offer support.
Voices of Youth
This is organised by UNICEF to give young people information on a wide range of topics that are affecting the world today such as climate change, pollution and the war in Ukraine. There is also information on health and how to stay healthy, there are links to some of these below.
Action for Happiness
This is an organisation that promotes kindness and working with others, they offer practical advice and ways to find help and support if you are feeling unhappy.
Happier Kinder Together | Action for Happiness
Remember that staff in the school are here to help and support you, so if you have any problems please contact your guidance teacher, or another trusted teacher within the school.
Take care of yourself!
Ms O’Thy
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.
