Are you worried about a child's mental health?
What is Mental Health? 
Mental health is a child's emotional, cognitive, and behavioural well-being. It's an important part of a child's development and is closely linked to their physical health. Children with good mental health are able to:
- Manage their emotions
- Build healthy relationships
- Learn and play
- Adapt to change
- Cope with challenges.
At Merley First School, we want all children to have the best possible start in life. Encouraging children to understand and be open about their feelings can give them the skills to cope with the ups and downs that life will throw at them as they grow up.
If you are concerned about the mental health of a child please contact the school for advice.
BCP Support
BCP run the following support;
An Access Wellbeing Poole Hub, please click here for more information.
Kinson and West Howe Family Hub is one of six centrally located hubs providing early help services and support for families living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Please click here for more information.
Zumos
At Merley we use Zumos to teach children the skills to take control of their own mental health, by building powerful resilience, wellbeing and self-confident individuals who are self-motivated and empowered. All children receive a log in from school which can be used at home. Parents and families can work in partnership with school to support well being.
What is the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)?
CAMHS is an NHS service that supports children with serious mental health related issues. A CAMHS referral can be made by the school or via your GP.
Signposting and Support 
Further support and advice can be found on the following websites:
MindEd for Families is an online e-portal offering free, simple advice about children and young people's mental health for all adults.
Action for Children has lots of tips to help you spot signs of mental health issues in children and advice on the action you can take to help.
If you're concerned about a child or young person's mental health, you can get free, confidential advice via phone, email or webchat from the Young Minds Parents Helpline.
The NHS website offers support and advice for looking after a child or young person's mental health.
NSPCC offer support and advice to recognise the signs that a child may be struggling with their mental health.
Place2Be offers Mental Health services and courses for parents and carers.
For further resources please click the tabs below;