We believe every child deserves to feel safe—both in school and in the community around them. Our staff team is experienced, approachable, and always available for students who want to talk or seek support. We use a range of tools to help us understand individual needs and to make sure students are directed to the right support at the right time. We also work closely with trusted external agencies, whose involvement provides valuable additional help for many of our young people.

Supporting Children’s Wellbeing

Many families and young people can feel unsure about how to talk about wellbeing and parents often tell us they’re not always certain what signs to look out for. This is completely understandable. Early awareness and timely support can make a real difference, helping children feel secure, confident and able to thrive.

Early Signs – What to look out for

These signs don’t necessarily mean a child is struggling, but they can be helpful indicators that a young person may benefit from some extra support.

Early Signs

What can help?

  1. Support at home

For early or mild worries, parents can talk with their child, keep routines steady, encourage healthy habits and offer reassurance.

  1. School support

Parents can contact the school’s pastoral, wellbeing or safeguarding team for advice, check‑ins and early help.

  1. Early Help services

Stoke‑on‑Trent Early Help can offer guidance, family support and practical strategies when concerns continue.

  1. GP advice

A GP can assess ongoing concerns, offer medical guidance and refer to appropriate services.

  1. CAMHS referral

For more significant needs, CAMHS can provide specialist assessment and support. CAMHs can often triage referrals to the Stay Well Service or the MHS team depending on the need identified in the referral.

  1. Urgent or crisis support

If a child is in severe distress or at immediate risk, parents should seek urgent help through NHS crisis services, their GP or A&E.

Further information and support

Hub of Hope

UK’s largest wellbeing support directory. Whether you want to find a service to help you feel better or you want to support someone who is struggling – they’re there to help.

Childline

24/7 helpline 0800 1111. Online 1-2-1 counselling facility also available.

NHS

Your School Nursing team are still here for young people in the School drop ins, (during School Term)

You can call the Hub on 0808 178 3374 to speak to one of our team, or our ChatHealth text messaging service offers confidential advice and support for young people (11-19 years). If you have any questions, worries or concerns – text 07520 615723

Stay Well

Staywell offer a range of support for young people who are struggling whether that’s through peer support groups, providing information through psycho-educational workshop or 1 to 1 support

01782 418518 – Option 1

077323 49941

staywellcyp@changes.org.uk

Please also find further information and guides in our ‘useful links’ section.