Mental Health – Grange Academy

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Mental Health Champions at Grange Academy

Our student mental health champions are trained students who promote mental wellbeing, raise awareness about mental health issues, and challenge stigma within the educational setting. These champions foster an inclusive environment, encourage conversations, provide support, and signpost peers to available resources, acting as a relatable peer or supportive figure to help their fellow students.

Intervention Team

The team work hard to provide our children with support to meet their social and emotional needs and ultimately to help them achieve better mental health. The support is offered on a needs basis, is often delivered through 1:1 sessions or group sessions and tailored to the specific requirements of each individual child.

Why Mental Health in Schools Matters

High Prevalence: 1 in 5 children and adolescents experience a mental health disorder each year.
Early Onset: 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14.
Academic Impact: Mental health challenges are linked to lower academic performance, increased absenteeism, and higher dropout rates.
Long-term Consequences: Untreated issues can lead to substance abuse, criminal involvement, or chronic mental illness.

Key Mental Health Challenges in School Settings

Anxiety and Depression
ADHD and Behavioural Disorders
Bullying and Cyberbullying
Family or Community Trauma
Self-harm and Suicidal Ideation

Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Students

Withdrawal or isolation
Sudden changes in behaviour or mood
Decline in academic performance
Frequent physical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomach aches)
Aggressive behaviour or worthlessness

Role of School in Supporting Mental Health

Prevention & Awareness
Mental health education integrated into the curriculum
Anti-bullying policies and programs
Promoting social-emotional learning
Early Identification
Training teachers to recognize warning signs
Regular mental health screenings
Open channels for students to seek help

Inclusive Environment

Reducing stigma around mental illness
Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
Building strong student-teacher/staff relationships
Raising awareness through Children’s Mental Health Week, Mental Health Awareness Week, Pride Month, Anti-bullying Week, Wear it Green Day & Hello Yellow Day

Links

Young Minds
Teens Mental Health

Grange Academy is a Unicef Gold Rights Respecting School and Gold Artsmark School. Ofsted rated ‘Good’ (May 2022).
Telephone: 01234 407100 – Office Email: grange@biltt.org

Grange Academy is part of Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust
Company Number: 08156641

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