Support and Resources

School Nurses

School nurses are skilled healthcare professionals who can offer effective mental health provision and are trusted and valued by young people.

They provide mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention approaches and take strengths-based approaches. They work in partnership with children and their parents/carers to encourage behavioural change which sustains positive health change. 

Young people can access the school nurses by speaking to their guidance teacher or staff in school.  

Parents and carers can contact the school nurses by contacting guidance teachers or asking for 'Child Health' on the Lorn and Islands Hospital switchboard. 

The Exchange Counsellors

The Exchange is a new counselling service in school that aims to build resilience and enable psychological well being. They have worked in high schools in Scotland and Wales for 18 years and tailor their support to fit the individual needs of the young person. 

Young people can contact them by:

For more information click here .

Mental Health First Aiders 

A number of Staff are trained in Mental Health First Aid.  A rota created by the MHW Ambassadors of staff available for young people to speak to if they wish will be made available soon. 


External Resources 

Below are some helpful links to a variety of websites and apps.

Some provide self-help strategies, others offer phone numbers and support groups if you need someone to talk to.

These information and self-care activities are not a substitute for seeing a mental health professional. Sometimes we need outside help and advice. Getting help is good.

No-one should feel bad about it.

Websites

ADHD Foundation -  an integrated health and education service, created by people with ADHD for people with ADHD.


Anna Freud - a children's charity dedicated to providing training & support for child mental health services.


Beat -  the UK's leading charity, supporting those affected by eating disorders.


Citizen's Advice - an independent organisation specialising in confidential information and advice.


Health Scotland -  the national public health body for Scotland, working to reduce health inequalities and improve population health. 


Mental Health Foundation -  a UK charity, whose mission is "to help people to thrive through understanding, protecting, and sustaining their mental health."


Mind Yer Time - Designed by children and young people from the Children's Parliament and the Scottish Youth Parliament, to help you use your screen time positively.


National Autistic Society - the leading charity for autistic people and their families in the UK.


NHS - Find information and support for your mental health.


Rethink - improves the lives of people affected by mental illness through a network of local groups and services, expert information, and successful campaigning.


Samaritans- Call free on 116 123 or email job@samaritans.org. They provides emotional support for anyone who's struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure, o make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone.


SAMH - the leading mental health organisation in the voluntary sector in Scotland. It seeks to provide people with the strength and confidence to have greater autonomy and control in their lives to facilitate change and recovery.


Support in Mind, Scotland - a national mental health charity providing support to people with poor mental health and mental illness.


Young Minds - a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.



The Mixthe UK’s leading support service for young. Their support is free, confidential and anonymous and can be accessed wherever young people are
















Apps

Please remember though that although these apps can be useful we still recommend speaking to a trusted adult or GP if you have concerns about any symptoms you are experiencing.

CALM  - Relax with Calm, a simple mindfulness meditation app.

Couch to 5K - take total beginners from walking to running for 30 minutes in just 9 weeks.

For Me - Childline's new app to get advice and support on loads of topics – from issues that can play a big part in everyone’s life. 

Headspace  - a science-backed app in mindfulness and meditation, providing unique tools and resources to help reduce stress, build resilience, and aid better sleep. 

Mindshift - help teens cope with everyday anxieties. It teaches relaxation and suggests activities to help you shift and face it.

SAM - a self-help app to learn to manage anxiety.


Samaritans Self-Help - encourages people to be kind to themselves and look after their emotional wellbeing. This sits alongside their online and phone support which you can access FREE by dialling 116 123 or by email at: jo@samaritans.org


Wellmind - free NHS mental health and wellbeing app designed to help you with stress, anxiety and depression. The app includes advice, tips and tools to improve your mental health and boost your wellbeing. 

What's Up? - utilising some of the best CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) methods.

Local

Argyll Wellbeing Hub - offer a friendly and safe environment, where like minded peers can sit together and talk about pretty much anything with a cuppa and a cake or two.

Cool2Talk - A safe space for young people age 12 to 25 living in Argyll and Bute.

NHS  - Find Mental Health Services near you.  (use postcode)