Through Place2Be’s expert one-to-one counselling services, our students have access to a range of support, helping them to thrive academically and emotionally. Place2Be counsellors use play and creativity within the therapeutic space, which allows students to open up more easily in sessions.
Laura Mackintosh, Schools Project Manager for Place2Be, explains the importance of providing this support:
“When a young person has emotional difficulties, it’s really hard for them to access their educational offerings, build peer relationships, and it’s often hard for them to communicate with their parents. So, if we can work with children and young people within Erskine Stewart Melville, then hopefully we can make sure there is a brighter future for them.”
Staff can also access Place2Think, a confidential wellbeing service that provides a safe, therapeutic space and encourages reflective practice. This service makes sure our staff are well equipped to support our students, and reflects our whole-school approach to mental health.
Place2Be also offer guidance for parents. Their Parenting Smart site is designed for parents and carers of 4-11 year olds, with free practical advice on providing support and managing behaviour and advice on a range of issues from bullying, to sleep difficulties. Parents can also sign-up for the Parenting Smart Online Course – learn more at parentingsmart.org.uk.
In addition to our partnership with Place2be, our new team of Wellbeing Support Assistants have been doing a fantastic job supporting our students across all age levels. They help students to manage their emotional health, empower them to engage with their learning, and provide early interventions and emotional support.
With one in five young people now statistically likely to experience mental health issues, these initiatives are especially important. Read more about wellbeing at Erskine Stewart Melville as a Gold Carnegie for Mental Health in Schools institution here.
