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Mental Health & Wellbeing
We are committed to supporting the mental health of our students and staff.
We employ a full time counsellor, Mrs Anna Rayson who can be contacted via email a.rayson@ndacademy.co.uk and have regular access to a Resilience Nurse provided by the local authority.
Peace Advocate Programme
We work with the Rotary Club and their Peace Advocate Programme to empower our young people to become ‘peace advocates’ and responsible leaders of the 21st Century. This is enabling our children to develop the skills to resolve conflict and embrace success.
Our Peace Ambassadors have been trained by specialist counsellors to support their peers
We aim to support our young people to manage anger, emotions, friendship, behaviour, self-esteem and resilience. We will continue to do all we can to safeguard every child in our care.
The mental health and wellbeing of our students at NDA, is a priority to all of us. Early identification and intervention are at the forefront of our pastoral care and underpin our vision of ‘Student’s First’.
Any child who is concerned about bullying or wishes to contact one of our staff confidentially should use our Speak Out Safely button.
We received the BIG Anti-bullying award in Easter 2021 based on raising awareness through our bullying Intervention focus group and policy, staff training and peer support.
Durham Resilience Project
We are also proud to be part of the Durham Resilience Project, promoting and developing the mental health and wellbeing of our students, staff, parents and carers. Working with the County Council, our Student Counsellor is continuing to develop our practice, ensuring we offer the best possible support to all of our children.
The mental health and wellbeing of our students at NDA, is a priority to all of us. Early identification and intervention are at the forefront of our pastoral care and underpin our vision of ‘Student’s First’.
Mental health and wellbeing are very complex and challenging areas, with often no immediate ‘quick fix’ solutions. We, as a pastoral care team, promote positive mental health and wellbeing alongside a varied support network including the Student Counsellor, SEND Team, Year Managers and DEEP Support. Please see our Promoting Student Wellbeing during revision booklet.
The Academy raises awareness of mental health and wellbeing through regular assemblies, Student Voice, Life Lessons and regular contact with external agencies such as CAMHS and Resilience Nurse.
The Academy regularly keeps itself up to date with the most recent developments in mental health and wellbeing, through training provided by external provisions. All staff are trained in the promotion of positive mental health and wellbeing, with regular Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions. Staff also have the opportunity to specialise in certain aspects of promoting or understanding mental health or wellbeing, and to deliver these as training to staff and students across the Academy.
Any student, parent/carer or member of staff who has a concern about the mental health or wellbeing of a young person, should contact the Year Manager or a member of DEEP Support with their concerns.
Kooth is an online mental wellbeing community. Access is free, safe and anonymous support.
Please see our Useful Links page for direct links to NSPCC, Mind and other mental health organisations.