Lead teacher Belinda Heaven collaborated with staff at Ribston again in November. Andy Barnard coordinated the sessions ensuring they met the needs identified by senior leadership.

Building on the positive relationship formed when Phil Matthews and Belinda delivered the Mental Health First Aid Awareness course to 75 members of staff, the focus this time was on staff wellbeing and supporting parents.

Carolyn Ford suggested during these difficult and particularly challenging times that “Bite Size” sessions would be appropriate and accessible for people. Therefore, staff were given the opportunity to “drop in” to a zoom webinar facilitated by Belinda. During this she outlined some of the tips she would share with parents.

Key messages included the importance of listening without fixing. Everyone has the right to their feelings and for parents and staff the skill is striking a balance between validating the feelings of young people whilst maintaining some perspective. Belinda provided practical tips, drawing on her many years’ experience as a school nurse and national Mental Health instructor

Most people are experiencing higher levels of anxiety than they would usually which is of course not at all surprising given the uncertainty, fear and for many actual losses. Belinda shared an extensive book list and signposted to the various avenues of support available through Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning as well as from other agencies.

The response from parents when given the opportunity to join the webinar stands testament to the wonderful connection Ribston has already with them, there were 130 people online engaging and asking questions to a panel of support including Sue Baxter the school counsellor.

Feedback from the evening was very positive including the following comments:

Dear Mr Barnard
I would like to thank you and the wellbeing team for your webinar yesterday. I found it very informative and helpful.
It is certainly reassuring for us to know that Ribston staff are there to support their youngsters’ emotional and mental wellbeing as, in my view, this is equally as important as their academic achievements.
Best wishes

Dear Mr Barnard,
Thank you for the virtual meeting yesterday – we found it and Belinda very good.
Kind Regards

Hello Mr Barnard,
I have received the information regarding the event and would like to thank you for arranging this. I would be very interested in any further sessions as the information provided has been very helpful.
Kind regards

Dear Mr Barnard

Thank you very much for organising the above Zoom session. We found it very informative particularly given the current situation the students are finding themselves in and it has referred us to some useful resources.

Kind regards.

Hi Belinda, I’m a parent of a student at Ribston and **** ****, seeing and hearing first hand the difference in support the schools give is amazing. I’m thankful that along with your help I can support both my girls through their teenage years and what they are increasing struggling with. The lockdown, self-isolation and not being with friends. Thank you so much

I would like to say thank you for arranging the session on emotional health and well-being – I found it really helpful and informative.