herAt All Saints Academy Plymouth, we recognise that emotional health and wellbeing are fundamental to every child’s development, learning, and overall experience of school life. Positive mental health helps children and young people build confidence, develop healthy relationships, cope with challenges, and achieve their full potential both academically and personally. 

As part of the Ted Wragg Trust, we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, listened to, and supported. We believe that emotional wellbeing is everybody’s responsibility and that early help and intervention can make a significant difference to a young person’s life. 

Why Mental Health Matters

Emotional wellbeing affects how children think, feel, and behave. When a young person is struggling, it can affect many aspects of their daily life, including: 

• Confidence and self-esteem
• Friendships and relationships
• Attendance and engagement in school
• Behaviour and emotional regulation
• Academic progress and learning

Common challenges may include: 

• Anxiety and worry
• Low mood or depression
• Stress or feeling overwhelmed
• Panic or emotional distress

We understand that young people may experience emotional difficulties for many different reasons, including friendship issues, family circumstances, bereavement, social pressures, academic stress, trauma, or significant life changes. Early support, understanding, and open communication can help prevent difficulties from becoming more serious. 

How We Support Wellbeing

At All Saints Academy Plymouth, we actively promote positive mental health and wellbeing through: 

• A caring and supportive school culture
• Positive and trusted relationships between staff and students
• Strong pastoral and safeguarding systems
• Mental health awareness and wellbeing education
• Early identification and intervention
• Opportunities for students to talk openly and seek help
• Inclusive practices that celebrate diversity and individuality

We encourage students to speak to a trusted adult if they are worried about themselves or someone else. Our pastoral, safeguarding and inclusion teams work closely with students, families, and external agencies to ensure appropriate support is available when needed. 

Working With External Agencies

We work in partnership with a number of external agencies and organisations to provide additional support for students and families. These are just a some examples:

Mental Health Support Team (MHST) Plymouth

Providing early intervention and support for mild to moderate mental health needs. Click here

School Nursing Team Plymouth

The School Nursing Team offers advice and support for children, young people, and families around emotional wellbeing, physical health, healthy lifestyles, and personal development. School nurses can provide guidance, signposting, and early support for a range of wellbeing concerns. Click here

Kooth

A free, safe, and anonymous online mental wellbeing service for young people, offering professional support, counselling, and self-help tools. Click here 

Young Devon

Providing emotional wellbeing and mental health support for children, young people, and families across Devon.  Click here

NHS-CAMHS

Providing guidance, advice, and access to children and young people’s mental health services. Click here

The Zone Plymouth

Offering support, advice, counselling, and wellbeing services for young people across Plymouth.  Click here

MAST Plymouth Learning Partnership

The Multi Agency Support Team (MAST) provides early help and coordinated support for children, young people, and families. MAST works with schools and external professionals to ensure families can access the right support at the right time.  Click here

Barnardo’s

Supporting children, young people, and families through wellbeing, safeguarding, family, and emotional health services.  Click here

Support for Parents and Families

We recognise that supporting a child’s emotional wellbeing can sometimes feel challenging for parents and carers. Strong partnerships between school, families, and the wider community are essential in helping young people thrive. 

Parents and carers can access guidance, advice, and community support through a range of local services and initiatives, including: 

Burrington Community Hub

Providing community engagement opportunities, family support, wellbeing activities, and access to local services and initiatives.  Click here

Devon Mind

Providing mental health support, wellbeing advice, resources, and services for adults, parents, and families. Click here

Family Hubs Plymouth

Providing advice, activities, parenting support, and access to services for families, parents, carers, children, and young people across Plymouth.  Click here

YMCA Plymouth

Providing community wellbeing programmes, family support, youth services, and local support networks that promote wellbeing, resilience, confidence, and positive social connection within the community.  Click here

Samaritans Plymouth

Offering confidential emotional support 24 hours a day for anyone who may be struggling or experiencing emotional distress. Click here

Further Support

If you have any concerns about your child’s emotional wellbeing or mental health, please contact the school pastoral or safeguarding team. We are committed to working together with families to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and able to thrive.