In periods of time when the school is closed, you may find yourself in need of safeguarding advice. If you have an immediate safeguarding concern, please phone 999 in the first instance for support.
If the safeguarding advice that you require is not urgent, please draw on one or some of the services listed below. These services have been used by thousands of students and families and have a proven track record in offering support when it is most needed.
For any family or child who is unsure of what support they require, there is a central Single Point of Access phone number - 0300 123 4496 - which provides the opportunity to discuss the types of support that might be appropriate. This is also the number to call if a child requires urgent mental health support.
A new text service has been introduced by ‘SHOUT’ and the Crisis Text Line, as part of the Kent and Medway “Release the Pressure” campaign. Anyone, of any age, who requires immediate mental health support just needs to text the word “Kent” or “Medway” to 85258. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Kooth is a mental health and wellbeing online platform for young people aged between 10 and 16 years of age, across the whole of Kent. The service is free and can be accessed 24 hours a day. As well as being a source of information and support, young people can also chat to a friendly and fully-qualified counsellor during the following hours:
- Monday to Friday, between 12.00pm and 10.00pm;
- Saturday and Sunday, between 6.00pm and 10.00pm.
Moodspark and the Kent Resilience Hub are helpful websites in order to learn about mental health and find tips/resources for keeping emotionally healthy. Young people can also text ChatHealth via 07520 618850 between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday – this text service provides support for physical and mental health.
It is possible to self-refer to the Children and Young People’s Counselling Service, if you feel the need, by clicking here. Anonymous support for anyone at or over the age of 16 can be accessed via Togetherall.
You can also book an appointment through your GP to support with any mental health difficulties that your child may be experiencing. GPs may also need to complete the Front Door referral form.
Fearless is a website where young people can access non-judgemental information for advice on crime and criminality. You can also pass on information about crime 100% anonymously.
For other useful links, see below:
This hub lies in the heart of the school and is a student support area, where students can go to access wellbeing support and receive additional learning support. This is via an alternative curriculum pathway, through targeted intervention sessions that are based around English, Maths, vocational studies and qualifications and social skills development.