St. Patrick’s & St. Brigid’s College have received funding from mdeducational foundation, to have a dedicated wellbeing professional in our college to support our most senior pupils. Her name is Blínne (pronounced Bleena).

Blinne is empowering our pupils, helping them on their journey to a brighter future. The role of our Wellbeing Lead is to promote positive wellbeing through the delivery of a wellbeing curriculum by normalising pupil psychological fitness and resilience. We now have a welcoming space called the Wellbeing Hub, where pupils can go and have dedicated sessions. Thanks to mdeducational foundation and their support, our college now has the keys to take pioneering steps to improve the wellbeing and mental health of our pupils.

mdeducational foundation is a charity prioritising the wellbeing of young people. They provide fully funded support for educational settings to improve student wellbeing by funding the placement of qualified Wellbeing Leads. By placing Wellbeing Leads in educational settings, mdeducational foundation is normalising pupil psychological fitness and resilience through guidance and early intervention – supporting young people with their wellbeing needs through education and beyond.

Children thrive in all areas of life when they feel safe and their wellbeing is healthy. Blinne's role involves supporting this through one-to-one support, small group settings, presentations to class groups, and at assemblies. She will provide information about resilience skills and coping strategies that are suitable for all pupils and will be useful for their future studies/employment. Blinne will also provide enrichment activities which supports wellbeing.

There will be a wellbeing hub provided for young people to relax and regulate during break and lunch times. 

Below is some information that you may find interesting for supporting your teenager through this stage of their development.

The Importance of being a Teenager

Dan Siegel - "The Adolescent Brain" - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O1u5OEc5eY

A lot is happening during this stage. It can impact their ability to problem solve, regulate emotions, and communicate effectively at different times.

Why are Teenage Emotions Heightened?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXCk0Qxpr8o

Supporting the Emotional Rollercoaster:

Dan Siegel - Connecting to Calm - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV3hp_eaoiE

Resources and Signposting:

This is a recorded webinar for parents/carers to watch relating to young people struggling with school attendance because of anxiety https://youtu.be/Kt7JxyAcYdo

If you are experiencing mental health concerns with your child, the first step should be to seek professional advice from your GP, who will determine whether a referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) can take place.

Service operates 5.00pm - 9.00am, Monday to Friday, with 24-hour cover at weekends including Bank Holidays. If the lines are engaged your call will be diverted to an answerphone, on which will enable you to leave your contact details and someone will call you back within 30 minutes

• If urgent than call 999
• Samaritans: provides 24-hour emotional support: Tel: 116 123 (UK) (free number)
• NSPCC or ChildLine