At our School we work with the charity Place2Be, in order to provide our Pupils with regular access to a mental health practitioner (MHP); providing a safe space to talk about their feelings and mental health. Our MHP is Michelle, and she has her own room in the school where Pupils are able to access support (where necessary), or just talk about things that are bothering them.
Who are Place2Be?
Place2Be is a national charity working in over 600 UK schools to improve the confidence and emotional wellbeing of children. The aim is to help children feel better about themselves and when children feel better about themselves, they are able to learn more easily and that means less worry for parents.
How do Place2Be help children?
Place2Be works with children one-to-one and in small groups, offering regular time-tabled support for those who will benefit most. All pupils can find help with friendship issues and other worries by choosing to visit Place2Talk. Short lunchtime sessions are open to individuals and to groups.
If you do not want your child to access this provision, we operate an opt-out system. Therefore please contact the school office if you wish for your child to be removed from our sessions.
How do Place2Be support families?
Our MHP will routinely meet with parents to discuss their worries about their children.
How does Place2Be Work?
There is a special counselling room inside the school where children can go to express and think about their worries, through talking, creative work and play. Our MHP supports this process, helping children to find new ways of coping with difficulties to find new ways of coping with difficulties so they don’t get in the way of friendships or learning.
When might a child use this?
There are times when children feel especially sad, confused, fearful or angry, due to family problems such as separation or illness, or even the death of a much-loved pet. Some may become withdrawn; others may become demanding or challenging in their behaviour: that’s when having Place2Be in school is especially helpful.
To find out more please visit the Place2Be website.
Our School Counsellor - Michelle
Our School Counsellor is Michelle. Michelle is an important part of our team at Troedyrhiw Primary and works with everyone at the school; Staff, Pupils (Y1-Y6) and Parents, to make sure our school is a happy place and to help everyone to think about their mental health.
At our school Michelle has her own special room where Pupils can access the support they need, let off some steam or simply pop in for a chat.
Michelle is in School every Friday and there are booking slips in all classes which can be posted by Pupils in the Place2Be post box to request a slot to speak with Michelle.