Pastoral Support and Wellbeing

At Leigh Academy Hugh Christie we recognise how important positive emotional wellbeing and mental health is for all stakeholders. For our students to flourish both personally and academically it is important that we regularly talk about our mental health and emotional wellbeing, establishing various support and mechanisms for all when required.  We aim to create and sustain a positive, supportive and caring environment which in turn promotes good morale, reduces absenteeism and promotes staff retention. To enhance this ethos, the academy aligns with the Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) Wellbeing policy.

We promote the NHS Five Steps of wellbeing and have our wellbeing service. This service is designed to support students, parents/carers and staff.

Our Aims

  • To ensure support is provided for students with recognised mental health conditions
  • Provide all stakeholders with the tools in reporting or seeking support 
  • To build resilience in all our students to help students feel safe and have a sense of belonging 
  • To provide all staff with Continued Professional Development to help with the identification of mental health and poor emotional wellbeing.
  • To develop a ‘whole-acadmey approach’ in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing amongst pupils, parents/carers and staff whilst establishing various support mechanisms for all.
  • To ensure external agencies are also explored and utilised where appropriate such as MIND or Kent’s Early Help support network

5 Steps of Wellbeing:

  • Connect with people 
  • Be physically active
  • Learn New skills
  • Give to others
  • Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Wellbeing Resources

Urgent Concern (NHS) Kooth - Online Mental Wellbeing Community
Kooth Student Logo

Good work-life balance 

One of the keys to good wellbeing for both students and staff is a good work life balance.  Making sure our wellbeing is managed is about understanding there will always be pressures on our time and targets to meet which is part of everyday life. However, how we manage these makes a big difference. It is everyone’s responsibility to take control of this to make sure the mix is appropriate to your abilities and wellbeing and if you are struggling talk to teachers or managers if you feel you are not coping. Having a good positive home life and good set working patterns will help you achieve this and stay healthy in body and mind and be an active part of the LAHC team.

Wellbeing Service

Here at Leigh Academy Hugh Christie, we pride ourselves in supporting our young people academically and emotionally too. 

We have in school trained counsellors five days a week. We also offer social skills group sessions/1:1 on a weekly basis with Ben Carter. Penny Basson is fully trained and experienced in putting together a bespoke course 1:1 for either anger management or mental health support. 

In addition, every child has an Advisor who they meet with daily. Furthermore we have two Student Support Managers in each college to further support our young people on a daily basis. 

College teams and Pastoral Support

General enquiries please email: [email protected] (Please quote your child’s name, year group and their college). 

We recognise that young people in secondary education strive to do well, but sometimes the pressure of both school and their personal lives can lead to them to suffer emotionally which may affect their learning and attendance in school.  We strive to support students who are struggling for whatever reason. 

Key Aspects of our Pastoral Care to support students

  • Individualised Care: Because of our Small School Model every student is known as an individual, and our pastoral care is tailored to their unique needs. Our team works closely with students to provide guidance, whether they face academic challenges, personal issues, or simply need someone to talk to.
  • Strong Advisory System: Our Advisors are a consistent point of contact for students, offering daily support and regular check-ins. This allows for strong relationships to develop, fostering an environment where students feel comfortable seeking help and advice.
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Programs: We take a proactive approach to mental health, offering workshops, assemblies, and activities that promote mindfulness, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Our school counsellors and well-being staff are always available to provide more in-depth support.
  • Inclusive Environment: We believe in fostering a community that respects and celebrates diversity. Our academy promotes kindness, tolerance, and inclusivity through all aspects of academy life, ensuring students of all backgrounds feel welcome and supported.
  • Parental Involvement: We actively encourage strong partnerships with parents and guardians. Regular communication and parental voicing helps ensure that families are involved in their child’s development, both academically and personally.
  • Anti-Bullying Initiatives: Our school has a zero-tolerance policy on bullying. We have robust systems in place to quickly address any concerns, ensuring every student feels safe and respected.

Pastoral & Wellbeing Resources

​These resources are dedicated to children and young people’s general mental health and well-being, with a particular focus on mindfulness in developing coping skills in young people.

  • SafeSpot is an iPhone and Android app that promotes positive mental well-being in children and young people and has been designed to help children and young people with their coping skills.  
  • Calm Harm is an app designed to help resist or manage the urge to self-harm. 
  • Catch It is an app to help manage feelings like anxiety and depression and improve mental well-being. 
  • Thrive is an app that helps prevent and manage stress, anxiety and related conditions.

Useful Websites

Useful Apps

General Support

  • Moodspark
  • Mindshift
  • Wellmind
  • Cove: Music – Create and Express Yourself

Stress / Anxiety Support

  • Chill Panda
  • Headspace
  • Clear Fear

Self-Harm Support

  • Calm Harm
  • Blue Ice

Useful Websites

Useful Apps

General Support

  • Moodspark
  • Mindshift
  • Wellmind
  • Cove: Music – Create and Express Yourself

Stress / Anxiety Support

  • Chill Panda
  • Headspace
  • Clear Fear

Self-Harm Support

  • Calm Harm
  • Blue Ice

Useful Websites

Useful Apps

  • Headspace
  • Mindshift
  • Calm
  • Thrive
  • Chill Panda
  • Cove

Release The Pressure – Kent County Council Mental Health Support

Release the Pressure poster

Need support now? Text Kent to 85258 for in-the-moment help.

We are here for everyone, any age, 24/7.

Release the Pressure

NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

NELFT Logo

Kent Children & Young People’s Single Point of Access. 

For children aged 4-19 struggling with their emotional health. 

If you are concerned about a young person’s mental health and not sure what help is needed. Call the Single Point of Access (SPA)

Tel: 0300 123 4496

NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

Togetherall

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Get support. Take control. Feel better.

For young people aged 16-18 in need of mental health support, including online counselling. 

Share experiences in a safe, anonymous space. Benefit from practical well-being tools and resources.  Gain access in minutes, available all day, every day.

If you’re feeling lonely, stressed, worried or just not yourself, on Togetherall you can get support and start to feel better. 

Togetherall