Support Services

Support Services

Dear Parents/carers 

The events of the last week have been challenging and, as an Academy, we have done our best to answer every question asked of us in an open and honest way. We’d like to deal with the mental health of our students in exactly the same way. We know that many of our young people will be struggling with the changes and the uncertainty over exams, although we have tried our best to address the latter here: https://ormistonforgeacademy.co.uk/gcse-btec-a-levels

There will also be heightened anxiety generally. We believe that we can start to manage this anxiety by limiting time on social media and ensuring that we get any information about Covid-19 from the NHS website and official sources. Following the guidance is key and starting to build daily routines and structures will help us all adjust. 

Of course, the safety and wellbeing of our students continues to be of paramount importance and there are lots of useful physical and mental health advice support services for you to share with your children. We’ve listed some that we recommend below. 

ChatHealth (School Nurse Services): A confidential text messaging service that enables children and young people, 11 years and older, to contact their local, public health, school nursing team. This is available on 07480 635486.

Kooth: A free, safe and anonymous online support for young people (11-19 years plus) available at all times at www.kooth.com. It includes accessing online counselling support. Monday-Friday: noon-10pm. Saturday and Sunday: 6pm – 10pm.

Beam: A drop in-service for anyone under 19. All face-to-face services have been cancelled; updates will be placed on Twitter @beamsandwell

Health For Teens Website: For general health advice – www.healthforteens.co.uk

DECCA: Sandwell Drug and Alcohol Services are still available as and when needed. Please phone 0121 5692201 or email [email protected]  

Brook (Sexual Health Support: 11 years old plus): Brook are contacting young people directly to discuss the appropriate mode of support for their personal circumstances.

Childline: Website is operating www.childline.org.uk and the counselling service is still available; please call 0800 1111.

Papyrus (Youth Suicide Prevention charity): Please call 0800 0684141 or email [email protected]

The BBC also has an excellent resource on protecting your mental health: www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51873799

Domestic abuse support in the West Midlands during COVID-19 – CLICK HERE to download.

Sandwell School Nursing: Available between 9am and 3pm (Monday to Friday) on 0121 612 2974

Government guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): keeping children safe online (added 26/6/20)

Black Country Healthcare Mental Health Helpline: operates 24/7 and provides mental health advice, service signposting and Crisis referral to parents also – the number is 0800 008 6516.

It is also important to state that our staff are also picking up emails and contactable. In the first instance, it might be worth contacting me to discuss options but if a student has a concern and would like to speak to a particular member of staff, we’ll do all we can to arrange a telephone chat. To contact me or the safeguarding team at Forge, email [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support. 

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Genna Griffiths
Senior Leader Safeguarding