Emotional Health and Wellbeing
If you work with children and young people, you’ll know that they experience a wide range of feelings, emotions and challenges. Mental health problems can include depression, anxiety and behaviour disorder, and are often a direct response to what is happening in a child or young person's life.
The emotional wellbeing of children and young people is just as important as their physical health as it enables them to develop into healthy adults who are able to deal with all of life's challenges.
As a practitioner there are things you can do to help the child, as well as yourself:
1. Take your time and use resources to help you - see how to cope with common issues and access the Mindmate's resource bank.
2. Talk about emotions and be prepared to listen.
3. Find local support for the child or young person - see the Services in Leeds search page or contact contact the Leeds MindMate Single Point of Access (SPA) service to make a referral.
4. Look after yourself. Talk to your manager or supervisor regularly and see Mindwell for helpful advice and resources.
Helpful guidance and resources:
The NHS website offers helpful guidance on how to start a conversation with a child or young person about their feelings.
MindMate contains resources, links and information to support practitioners in Leeds who work with children and young people including:
- Everything you need to know about Leeds MindMate Single Point of Access, including useful downloads and how to get in touch
- Services in Leeds for young people
- Professional resources.
Young Minds provides resources and information on everything to do with young people’s mental health including consultancy and training services for leaders and front line workers.
Visit the School Wellbeing site’s emotional and mental health section for a wide range of useful information and resources, as well as details of local training courses for practitioners.
Self Harm and Suicidal Behaviour
Self-harm is way of coping with difficult and distressing feelings. It can include anything that causes injury or harm. Sometimes it might be called self-injury.
Supporting young people who self-harm or feel suicidal - A guide for practitioners in Leeds working with young people aged 25 and under is a booklet which is aimed at anyone who works with children, young people and young adults in Leeds.
It explores self-harm behaviours, how to talk to and support a young person who is self-harming, understanding the risk and responding to their needs. Section 2 looks at suicide in young people and gives guidance on talking about suicidal thoughts, supporting someone who feels like this and understanding factors that increase the risk. It also covers information sharing and how to refer for further support.
Hard copies are free to order from:
Public Health Resource Centre at Tech North, 9 Harrogate Rd, Leeds LS7 3NB.
If you suspect a child or young person is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed then you must ensure Duty and Advice at the Front Door are contacted immediately. If a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, contact the police on 999.