Mental Health and Wellbeing

Why the mental health of young people matters

In these times, where there are so many uncertainties , stressful experiences and challenges, we must now (more than ever) look after our mental health. As a school, we are committed to supporting children in maintaining a healthy mind and whilst schools are closed, please use this resource to support your children through this challenging time. 

Good mental health is the foundation of young people’s emotional and intellectual growth, underpinning the development of confidence, independence and a sense of self worth. 

Young people who are mentally healthy will have the ability to:

• Develop psychologically, emotionally, creatively, intellectually and spiritually

• Initiate, develop and sustain mutually satisfying personal relationships

• Use and enjoy solitude

• Become aware of others and empathise with them

• Play and learn

• Face problems and setbacks and learn from them 

• Enjoy and protect their physical health

• Make a successful transition to adulthood in due course

It is clear that parenting style has a critical impact on children’s emotional and cognitive development. Key protective factors include: feeling loved, trusted and understood, having interest in life, optimism, autonomy, self-acceptance, and resilience.

In addition, the school environment has been found to play a role. Whole school approaches to mental health promotion, and well-evidenced forms of anti-bullying strategies, for example, have been found to be protective of children’s mental health.

As a result of this, at Hillcross we will continue to support you and your families in providing opportunities to develop your children's well-being. This section of the website will be regularly updated  to share information about: new research outcomes, resources available and helpful websites and tips to improve emotional well-being.