Wellbeing for Staff

There are various resources available to support both your own mental health and wellbeing and that of the children in your care. It's common to feel that we need to have all the answers and worry that we're not experts but there are lots of simple and effective ways that you can look after yourself which in turn makes you more able to support others around you. This page contains links to plenty of resources and guidance which can offer the support you need.

 

What can I do to help myself?

Remember that the small things really can make a big difference to how we are feeling. Try some of these 'top tips' to help with your mental health and wellbeing; 

1. Talk to someone - talk to friend or family member. There are so many ways to stay in touch with people - try making a call, texting a message or setting up a zoom meeting. You could go ‘old school’ and try writing a letter to someone . .
2. Try a new hobby or do something you really enjoy – try baking, reading a good book or dancing to your favourite music.
3. Be physically active – go for a walk or do a form of exercise that you particularly enjoy. There are plenty of exciting online activities and exercises, such as cardio activities and yoga, that you can do at home. Follow the links below to get some ideas:
   NHS Fitness Studio
   PopSugar Fitness
   Fitness Blender
   Yoga with Adriene
4. Take a moment, breathe and maybe even practice some mindfulness – there are lots of simple resources to help with breathing exercises and meditation (see links further down this page). Also check out the ‘Calm’ there are some really good, free resources and meditations available on this website/app. https://www.calm.com/
   

 

How can I support others?

Simply taking the time to ask; ‘How are you?’ and to have a conversation can give someone just the opportunity they need to open up and discuss their feelings. Remember, it can be the smallest things that make the biggest difference when thinking about how to be there for others.

1. Take the time to talk - as we mentioned above, talking to someone can be really powerful, not just for your own wellbeing but for others too.
2. Ask them how they are feeling - ask ‘How are you feeling?' and remember - it doesn't hurt to ask twice - 'How are you really?' or ‘Are you sure you’re ok?’
3. Take the time to listen - you don't need to have all the answers or be able to solve the problem straight away. Sometimes, just the act of listening can really help someone else and reminds them that they're not alone.

 

You don't need to be an expert - just being there for someone else is enough

• Active listening – take the time to listen carefully
• Keep it simple- small acts of kindness can make the biggest difference to someone
• Take care of you - it is important to make sure that you look after yourself as it is only when you take good care of yourself that you can best look after others.

 

Websites which have lots of information to support you in supporting others

 

Young Minds

 

MindMate

 

Lucy's Blue Day

A great resource to support your children in understanding the range of emotions that someone might feel and the fact that feeling such emotions is OK - it's OK not to be OK.

 

 

Talking Mental Health

A great resource to support your children in understanding what mental health is in a very child-friendly way.