Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties are a type of special educational need in which children experience difficulties in managing their emotions and behavioural responses. Children with SEMH may often feel anxious, scared and misunderstood and their behaviour may be a communication that something is not right.
SEMH difficulties may be short or long term and may vary in the way they present to others. For example, a child who has experienced a loss or bereavement may experience SEMH difficulties in a different way to another child who may have a diagnosed SEMH disability such as ADHD, which is a life-long condition. Children may experience SEMH as short periods of feeling unable to cope, or longer periods of low mood with a greater impact on wellbeing. Nevertheless, with appropriate support, many children and young people can learn strategies, move forward and live successful lives.
At St Cecilia’s RC High School, we value positive mental health for all members of our school community. We have designated Senior Mental Health Lead who work with students and families to ensure positive mental health for children.
The various different types of difficulties vary from (but not limited to):
- Anxiety
- Emotional regulation
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/ Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder
- Divorce or separation
- Loss and bereavement
- Attachment difficulties
- Persistent low mood
- Self harm
- Eating disorders
Kooth
Kooth.com is a free, online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform which is available to young people aged 10-16 years across the county.
Kooth allows young people to gain anonymous access to advice, support and guidance on any issue that is affecting their mental health and wellbeing.
Many of the issues young people are talking to them about at the moment include school worries, bereavement, and sleep issues.
Visit kooth.com where you can register and find out more about the service or take a look at this video clip which explains Kooth in a nutshell >> https://vimeo.com/318731977
Useful links for parents
Useful tips and advice for parents to help their teens overcome body image issues, academic anxiety, peer pressure and cyberbullying, including links to other important teen mental health resources.
https://www.mytutor.co.uk/blog/parents/teen-mental-health-a-guide-for-parents/
https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/mental-health-parenting/
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/self-harm/