John and Julie started in November 2020 and started delivering HeadStarters remotely in January 2021 in the third lockdown. It was a challenge! However, schools were eager for support during this time and together HeadStart and schools made it work.
Over the years HeadStart have partnered with 45 schools across the borough and supported Mental health Leads within their role and across their school community. Karen joined the Redcar and Cleveland Team in March 2023 and the team went from strength to strength, moving into secondary schools and SEN provisions.
Over Easter, the team recognised that they have trained over 1000 children and young people to become HeadStarters, mental health champions within their school. Over the last 2 years, we have supported these young people further, and many have achieved the Silver and Gold HeadStarters award.
Many young people in our schools have the knowledge and understanding of mental health and how they can support their wellbeing as well as how to help others. They have built up their resilience by appreciating how emotions can be managed especially at times of stress.
As you know HeadStarters is only one part of what we offer to schools and throughout the years we have:
- Supported 1200 pupils with the transition to secondary school
- Held assemblies that have reached nearly 6000 pupils, promoting good mental wellbeing
- Delivered covid recovery sessions to help those at risk when returning to school after the many lockdowns
- 3 primary schools in Redcar and Cleveland have achieved the Gold Standard, demonstrating their commitment to building resilience across their school community
- Many Mental Health Leads and school staff have attended training around the Academic Resilience Approach, the evidence-based approach used by HeadStart
- And so much more
School feedback is always positive and supportive, and the team feels privileged to work alongside passionate school staff and pupils, and colleagues in the wider Mental Health and Wellbeing Team.
Published: May 21