While young people spend a lot of time in school, the home environment plays an important role in their wellbeing and development.  A 2020 study by the Office of National Statistics found that children believe home lives and family relationships affect their happiness. 

Adults support wellbeing at home in many ways, such as: 

• Making home a safe and secure place 

• Dedicating quality family time and creating family experiences 

• Talking openly about mental health and listening to each other  

• Looking after your own emotional wellbeing and mental health 

• Helping with healthy choices for diet, exercise, online safety, and sleep. 

Parents and carers told us in the latest wellbeing survey they would welcome more information about the support available.  We have worked with staff, the Parent Voice group, and our student groups to develop this page to help. 

Watch our ‘Wellbeing resources’ video to see our top five recommended places to go for useful information, ideas and advice about emotional wellbeing and mental health.  The full set of recommended links is listed below.  Please contact us if there’s a great one you think we have missed! 

For young people: 

• The Lowdown is a local charity offering wellbeing support.  The Lowdown also runs a wellbeing café in Northampton, where 11–18-year-olds can talk with a professional mental health worker. 

• Childline provides information, advice and ways to seek support. 

• Shout is a free and confidential service that supports people with their mental health. 

• YoungMinds includes information about mental health, feelings, and a useful guide about how to support a friend. 

For parents and carers: 

• YoungMinds has a parent section, including a parent blog and advice on how to talk to your child about mental health. 

• Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families has a parents and carers section, including a podcast and 7 ways to support young people who are worried. 

• SSS Learning provides top tips videos for parents and carers, including Child Mental Health & Wellbeing and Parents' Mental Health & Wellbeing 

For everyone: 

• NHS recommends 5 steps to mental wellbeing. 

• Heads Together promotes the Prince and Princess of Wales’ campaigns for de-stigmatising talk about mental health. 

• Mentally Healthy Schools provides information about various types of mental health needs and conditions. 

• Happy Heads teaches mindful tools and techniques for people of all ages, providing a free newsletter and YouTube video links. 

• Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families presents 10 ways to support staff wellbeing.