Online Safety, Mental Wellbeing & Safeguarding

A letter has been sent out to highlight the support available in-school and from external agencies to help with Wellbeing and Mental Health, Safeguarding and Welfare, and Online Safety.

Wellbeing and Mental Health. Below are some links to excellent external websites that offer support.

Young Minds – a leading UK charity for children and young people’s mental health.

Kooth – a free, safe and anonymous online support for young people.

Family Lives – aims to ensure that all parents and carers have somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point. We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference. This organisation was formed over forty years ago, by volunteers.

Samaritans – offers a free, 24/7 helpline for anyone with a problem, no matter how small. You can also call 116 123.

Children’s Mental Health Week begins 1^st February 2021.

Online Safety

National Online Safety – to register for an account to access the Online Safety for Parents and Carers course, as well as all the resources the National Online Safety has, fill in the details on the site; select, “I am a: Parent/Carer” from the dropdown menu. There are more than 50 online platform update guides, covering the latest social media channels and games to help parents and carers protect their children from the dangers of the internet.

Childnet – their mission statement is to help make the internet a great and safe place for children.

Think U Know – is devised by the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. It keeps children and young people safe by providing education about sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.

Safeguarding and Welfare

GMS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. All staff and volunteers share this commitment. For safeguarding related queries email safeguarding@gms.bucks.sch.uk

Family Support Service is carefully designed to provide better, more targeted support for vulnerable families who face a range of issues, or more complex challenges. The service provides one-to-one support to families and individuals.

Bucks Safeguarding Partnership – is available to those concerned about a child in Buckinghamshire. A referral can be made to Buckinghamshire Council’s First Response Team by completing the online referral form. It is possible to discuss concerns, or report a concern anonymously, by going to the First Response Team on 01296 383962 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. For an urgent response outside of these hours, contact the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 0800 999 7677.  For an immediate risk of harm to a child, call the Police on 999.

NSPCC – the UK’s leading children’s charity, phone 0808 800 5000 (free service, lines open 24 hours a day). They listen, offer advice, support and can take action on your behalf if a child is in danger.

GMS update their website regularly with the latest information on safeguarding, wellbeing, mental health and safeguarding.