The Deanery Church of England High School & Sixth Form and the charity Wigan Deanery Trust have partnered successfully in recent years with the vision of supporting the wellbeing of pupils attending the school.
This has involved a successful 3-year pilot where Wigan Deanery Trust has funded one full time counsellor in addition to the school employed Wellbeing Lead and on securing funding from local companies Axonmoore, Chillblast and Benefact group.
The benefits to the school have included:
- Low to medium waiting times to access mental health support.
- Continuity of support relationships that are accessible in school.
- Low disruption to learning due to onsite appointments.
- Measured impact of counselling interventions that have affected successful learning and GCSE outcomes.
- Positive impact on pupils’ families.
- Whole school wellbeing awareness.
- Two-way referral between School and CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service) and other counselling and mental health services in Wigan which allows flexibility of approach according to individual needs.
Pupil testimonies
“These sessions have allowed me to reflect and look at possible traumas I have experienced. Having a counsellor this trustworthy and open minded has soothed my anxiety I previously had about my experiences. Although certain habits, experiences and behaviours are still present, I have felt understood and cared for throughout the session I have had.”
“Being heard and having someone to take me through this process – I have learned to give myself a healthy and flexible routine, that it is OK to not know everything about myself as I am still growing. I have learned to communicate my needs to others.”
If the mental health and wellbeing of young people is something close to your heart and you would like to donate for this valuable work to continue in school through Wigan Deanery Trust – any donations would be grateful received. Thank you.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/counselling-provision-the-deanery-high-school
