If you have concerns about your child's mental health and well-being (and it is not an emergency), please talk to your child's Form Teacher in the first instance. From there, we will be able to direct you to appropriate support or offer provision in school.

We have an array of provision in school, please take some time to read about what we offer below. 

ELSA Emotional Literacy Support in Schools

An ELSA in a school is an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. ELSAs are emotional literacy support assistants. They are teaching assistants who have had special training from educational psychologists to support the emotional development of children and young people in school. ELSAs have regular professional supervision from educational psychologists to help them in their work. ELSAs help children and young people learn to understand their emotions and respect the feelings of those around them. They provide the time and space for pupils to think about their personal circumstances and how they manage them. We currently have ELSA running sessions at Capella Secondary and they can help out with an array of challenges from bereavement to friendship issues. 

MHST Mental Health Support Teams

In Kingston and Richmond, AFC are part of the Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) in Schools initiative with South West London Partnership. In Kingston and Richmond, the teams are delivered by Achieving for Children (AFC) as part of our Emotional Health Service. Within the MHST, schools are divided into groups (known as clusters).  

All referrals to the MHST need to be made via the GP or young person's school. The school's designated Mental Health Lead can also make a referral to the team once they have consent from the child's parent. 

The MHST offers a variety of support through individual interventions, group work and a whole-school approach. However, families may also be signposted to other organisations in the local area. This includes online mental health services and resources, as well as charities and voluntary organisations that offer specialised support in areas such as bereavement and ADHD.

School "Iamworried" inbox

As part of our PSHE curriculum and work on mental health awareness, Capella Secondary has introduced the use of 'I am worried inbox' into all classrooms at Secondary. Due to their SLCN, pupils at Capella can find expressing their feelings and concerns verbally very challenging. With this tool, pupils can put any worry they may have into an email which will then be discussed in a PSHE lesson or individually if necessary. 

Please find below some useful links to further support our families 

Talking Therapy at School

Pupils at Capella Secondary have access to regular talking therapy with an specialist from AfC. This gives our young people a space to share concerns, seek advice and work on skills that will support their mental health overtime. 

Other Services and Support

Mind Richmond - We’re here to make sure that anyone with a mental health problem has somewhere to turn to for support. We offer information, advice and support to young people and adults experiencing mental health issues, as well as their carers. Our work supports all communities in the borough of Richmond and surrounding areas.  Whether you’re dealing with low mood or an imminent crisis, we have a range of services to help you. 

SEND MIND (Wandsworth) - We offer advice and information to help you find the right services for your family. We know that families have different challenges, so our support is designed to be flexible. Whether it’s assistance with benefits issues or any other concern, we can offer support to meet your family’s changing needs.

CAMHS - This site was created for young people, carers and professionals to gather lots of helpful resources from across the internet that are available to help support your mental health and well-being.

Samaritans - The Samaritans offer a listening service every day and night of the year for anyone struggling to cope. This service is non-judgemental, and allows callers to explore their feelings to alleviate distress, and helps people to reach a better understanding of their situation and the options open to them. Samaritans give people time, undivided attention, and empathy, to help meet fundamental emotional needs and reduce despair. You can get in touch about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels. The free phone number is 116 123, and the line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Young Minds - Whether you want to understand more about how you're feeling and find ways to feel better, or you want to support someone who's struggling, we can help.

Achieving for Children's Emotional Health Service

The Emotional Health Service (EHS) is a team of therapists that work with young people and their families who have mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

Anna Freud - National Centre for Children and Families

Their vision is for a world where all children and young people are able to achieve their full potential. A world in which they and their families get support that is designed with their input, available at the right time, and meets their needs, so that they can develop their emotional and mental health.

BBC Teach - When I worry about things - stories and animations which may help open conversations between you and your child. Please be sure to view these materials before advising young people to watch them.

Supporting the mental health of our students is very important to us at Capella House School.  Please find useful links and information relating to mental health below.

Where should you go to get urgent help?

NHS Crisis Lines

Please contact the South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust 24 hour Mental Health Support Line. Anyone can use this out of hours line, even if you are not seen by

CAMHS. 

The 24/7 Crisis Line is supported by trained mental health advisors. 

0800 028 8000

Attend A&E

If you cannot keep yourself / your child immediately safe, and have contacted the Crisis Line, you may be advised to attend A&E.

Contact your GP

If you or your child needs urgent mental health support, but you feel like you can keep yourself/your child safe for a little while, you should book an emergency GP appointment - contact your GP surgery directly to book. 

Contact Your CAMHS Richmond (9am - 5pm Monday - Friday)

If you are currently being seen by CAMHS, use this helpline in the first instance. The local teams' number is:

Telephone: 020 3513 5000

Website: https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/our-services/find-a-service/service/richmond-camhs

Email: RichmondCAMHS@swlstg.nhs.uk

Contact Your CAMHS Hounslow (9am - 5pm Monday - Friday)

If you are currently being seen by CAMHS, use this helpline in the first instance. The local teams' number is:

Telephone: 020 8483 2050

Website: https://www.westlondon.nhs.uk/our-services/child-and-adolescent/camhs/referrals

Email: wlm-tr.hounslowcamhs@nhs.net

Richmond's School Health Service

The School Health Service provides confidential advice and support to young people attending a school in Richmond, to help promote physical and mental wellbeing. 

The CLCH provides more information about the Richmond School Nursing Service. If you are concerned about your child and they are attending a Richmond school, you can seek help and support through the Richmond 0-19 Single Point of Access by:

Email: wandsworthandrichmondadmin@nhs.net

Telephone: 0330 058 1679

Opening hours: 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm