One of the sources of support available to students is the School Counselling Service, which has been running successfully for several years and has supported many children who have experienced difficulties, by helping them to talk about and explore their concerns in confidence.

Students may access the service in several ways:

• By self-referral
• Referral by parents/carers
• Referral by Senior Leadership, Heads of Year, SENCo and Inclusion staff

Students who self-refer will be strongly encouraged to tell their parents/carers, but if they are not ready to do this, their confidentiality will be respected.

The service is also open to parents/carers who are concerned about a child. For further information about the counselling service, please contact our School Counsellor Colette Rhodes at c.rhodes@foresthillschool.co.uk or 020 8699 9343

Online Resources

MindEd for Families provides information and advice on many different aspects of children’s and adolescent mental and emotional health, as well as parenting guidance and a whole range of other issues.

Family Lives provides information and support to parents on a wide range of issues. They also have an excellent telephone helpline.

Young Minds is a good source of support for parents/carers concerned about the mental health or well-being of a child.

Ditch the Label is an international anti-bullying charity that provides support for young people aged 12-25 on all issues surrounding bullying. In addition to the community function there is the option to speak 1:1 with a support mentor in more urgent cases or for anyone that may be vulnerable.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Below are links to lists of organisations and helplines that offer different kinds of advice, information, and support to young people on a range of issues. Some organisations also offer telephone or online counselling.

Helpful numbers for students

Helpful numbers for parents/carers