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St Luke's Primary School

Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing

Let’s talk about mental health and emotional wellbeing

At St. Luke’s Primary School, we see wellbeing as something we build together—as a community where every voice matters and everyone is supported to thrive. This page is here to share ideas, information, and resources that can help us all reflect, learn, and grow.

Who has mental health?

All of us do.
Mental health is something we all experience—sometimes we might call it emotional wellbeing or how we’re feeling inside. It’s a shared part of being human, and it can look different from day to day.

What do we mean by mental health?

Mental health is about how we think, feel, and connect with others. It includes our emotions, our relationships, and how we make sense of the world around us. You might think of it as a spectrum—sometimes we feel balanced and able to cope, and at other times we may struggle. Both are part of life. What matters is how we understand these experiences and support one another through them. Good mental health is just as important as physical health. And just like physical health, it can change over time.

What helps children and young people feel well?

There isn’t one single answer—wellbeing grows through a combination of experiences, relationships, and opportunities.

Together, we might explore questions like:

 

  • -What helps a child feel safe, valued, and understood?
  • -When do they feel most confident, curious, or joyful?
  • -Who do they turn to when things feel difficult?
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Some important building blocks often include:

  • -Feeling loved, accepted, and listened to
  • -Having time to play, explore, and be creative
  • -Being part of positive relationships at home and at school
  • -Having opportunities to learn, succeed, and feel proud
  • -Developing ways to cope with challenges and solve problems
  • -Feeling a sense of belonging and having a voice in their world

What happens in school?

In school, we create space for children to talk, reflect, and build skills for life. Through our curriculum and everyday interactions, we support children to:

  • -understand their thoughts and feelings
  • -express themselves in different ways
  • -build positive relationships
  • -develop resilience and confidence
  • -our PSHE learning is just one part of this—it helps children explore who they are, how they relate to others, and how they can navigate challenges. But just as importantly, these conversations happen throughout the school day, in classrooms, playgrounds, and quiet moments of connection.

What if my child is finding things difficult?

  • It’s okay for children (and adults) to have ups and downs. Difficult feelings are a natural part of life—they don’t mean something is “wrong.” One of the most powerful things we can do is listen—really listen—to children and take their feelings seriously.

You might notice:

  • -changes in mood or behaviour
  • -worries that don’t seem to pass
  • -difficulties that are affecting daily life

In many cases, with time, understanding, and support from family, children begin to feel better. Sharing what’s happening with us at school can help us support your child more effectively—we can work together.

Sometimes, children may benefit from extra support, such as:

  • -regular check-ins with a trusted adult
  • -time and space to talk
  • -help to develop coping strategies and next steps

If concerns continue or feel more serious, we encourage you to talk with your child’s teacher. We can think together about what might help.

Mentors

At St Luke’s we have experienced mentors who support children with additional emotional, well-being or social needs. Where such needs are preventing a child from being happy or making progress at school, we will ask parents or carers (or indeed parents and carers may ask us first) about ways a mentor’s support could help their child. Mentoring support may last for a short time or a long time: this all depends on the child and their needs. Mentors work closely with parents/carers and class teachers and the way they work with children will be completely individualised to a child’s needs. Mentors will share their plans for improving a child’s school experience with everyone and keep everyone informed. Our mentors also support children in transition and crisis.

Transition

 Children new to our school (after the normal starting dates in Reception), are given some mentor support to help them settle in; learn about the school and make friends.

 Crisis

 Children experiencing a crisis (eg bereavement; family break-up; other family or medical crisis etc) can be offered mentor support as long as we know about it! Please let us know if your child could benefit.

Counselling

 St Luke’s also funds a counselling service for our children. Vicki Hougham is our wonderful counsellor who we employ through Dialogue. Our counsellor supports children who need more intensive emotional support because their emotional needs are impacting on school life. School will contact parents/carers when we would like to refer a child to this service. Parent or carer referrals for her support must be directed through Cinnamon Coe - SENDCo. Vicki works closely with parents and carers of the children she supports and checks in with them regularly even after she has finished working with them.

Looking after yourself

 Supporting a child also means taking care of yourself.

You might ask yourself:

  • -How am I feeling at the moment?
  • -Who can I talk to?
  • -What support might help me right now?

Reaching out to someone you trust can make a real difference. You don’t have to manage everything on your own.If things begin to feel overwhelming, speaking with your GP or seeking additional support is a positive and important step. Looking after your own wellbeing is not only important for you—it also helps you to support your child.

 

We’re here to listen, to work alongside you, and to support every member of our community: Talking Mental Health

 

Any parent/carer who feels that their family needs support is encouraged to contact Cinnamon Coe - SENDCo

 

Brighton and Hove Schools Mental Health Service

 

The Schools Mental Health Service offers resources, webinars and information for parents and carers and our latest news and events on the News and Events page.

Schools mental health service

Helpful Resources

 Below are some excellent online resources which you might find helpful: 

 

 

Online Reading resources

 

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