Emotional Health and Wellbeing Support

At St. Patrick's Catholic Primary School, we recognise that some children may experience anxiety or worries relating to school, friendships, family life or other aspects of their wider world. We are committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing of all our pupils and ensuring that they feel safe, happy and supported.

If your child is experiencing anxiety, emotional difficulties or worries, support is available in school.

Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

Our Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), Miss Holding, works with individual children and small groups to help them develop strategies for understanding and managing their feelings and emotions.

ELSA sessions can support children with:

• Anxiety and worries
• Friendship difficulties
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Emotional regulation
• Social skills
• Managing change and transitions
• Bereavement and loss

Through a nurturing and supportive approach, children are helped to build resilience, confidence and positive mental wellbeing.

Drawing and Talking

We also use Drawing and Talking, a therapeutic intervention that provides children with a safe and confidential space to explore emotions, process experiences and develop emotional resilience.

Kooth

Kooth is a free online mental wellbeing service for children and young people.

Kooth offers:

• Professional online support
• Counsellors available 7 days a week, 365 days a year
• Discussion forums and community support
• Articles, activities and wellbeing resources
• Safe and anonymous access for young people

Children and young people can access support whenever and wherever they need it.

Website: Kooth