Mental Health and Wellbeing

Welcome to our Mental Health and Wellbeing Support page for Students, parents and guardians at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School.  At Cardinal Wiseman School we are committed to providing a supportive environment where every student can thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually. As a Catholic secondary school in Coventry, we recognise the importance of mental health and wellbeing for our young people, and we are dedicated to supporting students in their personal development, in alignment with the Department for Education (DfE) guidance on mental health and wellbeing (MHWB) for secondary school pupils. 

Our Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing 

We understand that the teenage years can bring both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. The pressures of school life, friendships, family expectations, and personal growth can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s why we are here to support you every step of the way, offering both preventative and responsive measures to help students manage their mental health and wellbeing. 

DfE Guidance and Our Commitment 

In accordance with the Department for Education’s guidance, our school actively promotes a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. We ensure that mental health is integrated into the curriculum, in pastoral care, and in daily interactions across the school. We create a safe, nurturing environment where students are encouraged to speak up and seek help when they need it. 

Support Available to Our Students 

We offer a range of support services to help students who may be struggling with their mental health or wellbeing. These include: 

1. Pastoral Support: Our pastoral team is here to provide guidance and a listening ear for students who need someone to talk to. They offer both one-to-one sessions and can signpost students to group workshops on topics like stress management, self-esteem, and building healthy relationships. 

2. Counselling Services: Professional, confidential support is available through our in-house counsellor. Students can access individual counselling sessions to help them navigate difficult emotions or challenging situations. 

3. Peer Support: Our peer mentors are trained to offer support and guidance to fellow students. They act as a first point of contact for those seeking help, ensuring that no student feels alone in their struggles. 

4. Wellbeing Education: We integrate mental health education into our curriculum, helping students to understand the importance of mental wellbeing, recognise signs of stress or anxiety, and learn coping strategies that they can apply to their own lives. 

5. Prayer and Spiritual Support: As a Catholic school, we offer spiritual care as an integral part of our wellbeing approach. Students are invited to join prayer sessions, attend Mass, or seek guidance from our chaplaincy team to nurture their spiritual health. 

6. External Agencies: As a school we also work closely with a number of local and national external agencies that you access using the links at the bottom of this page. 

Getting Help 

If you, as a student, or a parent/carer are concerned about mental health or wellbeing, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact your form tutor, a member of the pastoral team, or our school Mental Health and well-being co-ordinator directly on the email address below for further support.  

h.forinton@romeromac.com 

We are here to help and will always listen without judgment. 

Together, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential. 

Promoting and Supporting Mental Health and Well Being in schools and colleges 

Mr H Forinton 

Mental Health and Well Being Co Ordinator  

	Childline – www.childline.org.uk
	Young Minds – www.youngminds.org.uk
	Kooth – www.kooth.com
	Coventry and Warwickshire Mind – www.cwmind.org.uk/children-young-health
	Respect Not Fear – www.respectnotfear.co.uk