Mental Health & Wellbeing at Fulwood Academy
At Fulwood Academy, we believe that positive mental health and wellbeing are fundamental to learning, achievement and personal development. Guided by our core values of We Care, We Challenge and We Commit, we strive to create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every pupil feels valued, listened to and empowered to thrive.
We recognise that mental health is a safeguarding priority. All staff are committed to identifying concerns early, providing appropriate support, and ensuring that pupils and families can access help when it is needed. Schools play a vital role in promoting emotional wellbeing and supporting early intervention for mental health difficulties.
We Care
We care about every member of our school community. We know that everyone experiences challenges at times, and no one should feel they have to cope alone.
We provide:
- A dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing Team
- One-to-one wellbeing support
- Group interventions
- Wellbeing clubs and drop-ins
- Support for young carers
- Emotional wellbeing workshops
- Access to external mental health services where appropriate
- Safeguarding support for vulnerable pupils
We encourage pupils to speak to a trusted adult if they are struggling.
We Challenge
We challenge stigma surrounding mental health by encouraging open and honest conversations.
We help pupils to:
- Build resilience and confidence
- Develop healthy coping strategies
- Manage stress and anxiety
- Understand healthy relationships
- Recognise when they need support
- Support the wellbeing of others
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
We Commit
We are committed to ensuring that mental health and wellbeing remain a priority across our school community.
We will:
- Listen without judgement
- Take concerns seriously
- Work closely with families
- Signpost and refer to appropriate services
- Promote a culture of kindness, belonging and inclusion
- Ensure pupils know where and how to access support
Support Available in School
If you are worried about your mental health or emotional wellbeing, support is available.
Pupils can speak to:
- Miss Drummond – Pupil Wellbeing Support Officer
- Form Tutors
- Head of Year
- Pastoral Team
- Safeguarding Team
- Any trusted member of staff
Students can also access wellbeing support through:
- Wellbeing Wednesday Club
- Drop-in sessions
- Young Carers Group
- One-to-one wellbeing support
- External agency support where appropriate
Remember: You do not need to be in crisis to ask for help.
Information for Pupils
Feeling worried, anxious or overwhelmed?
It is normal to experience difficult emotions from time to time. If you are struggling, support is available.
Talk to someone
Speaking to a trusted adult, friend or family member can make a big difference.
Look after yourself
- Get enough sleep
- Stay active
- Spend time with people who make you feel safe
- Take breaks from social media
- Do activities you enjoy
Online Support
- Kooth – Free, anonymous online wellbeing and counselling support for young people.
- YoungMinds – Advice and support for young people and parents.
- Childline – Call 0800 1111 anytime for confidential support.
- The Mix – Support for young people under 25.
Crisis Support
If you feel unsafe or are worried about harming yourself:
- Speak to a trusted adult immediately.
- Visit your nearest A&E department.
- Contact NHS 111.
- Call the Lancashire and South Cumbria Mental Health Crisis Line: 0800 953 0110, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Information for Parents and Carers
Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting young people’s emotional wellbeing.
Signs that a young person may be struggling include:
- Changes in mood
- Withdrawal from family or friends
- Difficulties sleeping
- Increased anxiety or worry
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in attendance or engagement at school
- Self-harm or expressions of hopelessness
If you are concerned about your child
Contact School
Please contact your child’s Head of Year or the Wellbeing Team. We will work with you to identify appropriate support and next steps.
Local Support in Preston and Lancashire
- Lancashire Mind – Mental health support, wellbeing resources and advice.
- Children and Young People’s Psychological Services (CAMHS) – Specialist mental health support for children and young people.
- Lancashire Parent Carer Forum – Information and support for families.
- Barnardo’s Lancashire Young Carers – Support for young carers and their families.
National Support
Mental Health Crisis
If your child is at immediate risk:
- Call 999 in an emergency.
- Attend the nearest A&E department.
- Contact the Lancashire and South Cumbria Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 953 0110.
Remember
We Care – We listen and support without judgement.
We Challenge – We challenge stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.
We Commit – We are committed to ensuring every pupil has access to the support they need to feel safe, happy and successful.