Holy Ghost Catholic Primary School works with Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity that helps pupils explore their emotions and feel better about themselves.

Children can go to the Place2Be room in school to express themselves by making art, playing or talking.

Why is Place2Be useful?

Sometimes children can feel particularly sad, confused, scared or angry.

Maybe something difficult happened at home, like losing a family member or parents separating. Or perhaps they’re struggling with something at school, like bullying.

This can make them behave differently, lose confidence in themselves or find it difficult to concentrate in class.

Place2Be is there to help children find ways to cope, so their worries don’t get in the way of their friendships, their learning or how they feel about themselves.

What does Place2Be do?

Place2Be’s professionals work with children one-to-one or in small groups, giving regular support for pupils who need it.

Children can also book a short appointment to talk about any problems or worries they have – this is called Place2Talk.

How does Place2Be work with adults?

Place2Be always gets agreement from parents or carers before they support a child through one-to-one counselling. They also meet with parents or carers regularly to keep them updated and make sure they are involved from the start.

Coronavirus: updates, advice and support

Coronavirus is all over the news right now, so it’s understandable that many children, and adults, are anxious about the virus and how it could impact them.

How can you support your child, and yourself, with these concerns? Vanessa are looking forward to providing support to the whole school community at Holy Ghost Catholic Primary School during these unprecedented times. In the meantime, we hope the links below will prove helpful in supporting you and your family.

place2be.org.uk/about-us/coronavirus-updates-advice-and-support/

mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/

mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus

annafreud.org/what-we-do/anna-freud-learning-network/coronavirus/

Going through a crisis?

place2be.org.uk/page/get-urgent-help/#

Shout (in partnership with Place2Be)

Text CONNECT to 85258

• For: anyone in the UK
• Available: free, 24 hours a day
• More info: giveusashout.org

Childline

Call 0800 1111
Chat online (set up an account first)
Send an email (set up an account first)

• For: children and young people in the UK
• Available: free, 24 hours a day
• More info: childline.org.uk

Samaritans

Call 116 123
Send an email (response within 24 hours)

• For: adults in the UK
• Available: free, 24 hours a day
• More info: samaritans.org

Support for under-18s

If you’re worried about something, talk to an adult that you trust as soon as possible.

This could be:

• Someone in your family, like your mum, dad or carer
• Someone at school, like a teacher or Place2Be
• Your doctor

If you are not sure who to talk to:

• Call Childline on 0800 1111 or
• Text CONNECT to 85258 to contact Shout (in partnership with Place2Be).

Talk or text for free any time, wherever you are in the UK.

Find other places where you can get help and advice

I’m worried about my child or young person

If their life is in immediate danger, call 999.

If not, we recommend talking to someone who can help you understand what they might be going through and refer you to support in your area.

This could be:

• Your GP
• You can contact the school to request a phone call from Place2Be School Project Manager Vanessa.
• The Young Minds Parents Helpline, which you can call for free on 0808 802 5544 (9.30 am-4 pm, Monday-Friday, UK).