Our mental health and wellbeing determines how we think, feel and act. Good mental health and wellbeing is when we feel positive about ourselves and cope well with the everyday pressures we are presented with. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Mental health and wellbeing is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. But remember, our mental health and wellbeing does not stay the same. They can fluctuate as circumstances change and as we move through different stages of our lives.

The World Health Organisation define mental health as:

‘A state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.’

Mental health and wellbeing is everyone’s business. But, unfortunately not everyone understands mental health and wellbeing problems. Some people have misconceptions about what certain diagnoses actually mean. They may also use language that is dismissive and hurtful.

At De Aston School we strive to raise awareness and break down the stigmas surrounding mental health and wellbeing. We endeavour to work with families, outside agencies and most importantly our young people as we recognise positive mental health and wellbeing as a key part in keeping our students safe and to help them develop as learners to succeed.

As you know we are a growth mindset school, where effort transforms ability into achievement. To mark the start of the 2020/21 school year we also launched the De Aston School Values:

• Aspirational
• Hard-working
• Resilient
• Responsible
• Kind

Students and staff are asked to embody and promote these values on a daily basis throughout their time at school and beyond. We believe our values contribute to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in our school community, helping us all to become more rounded individuals.

We have developed this section of our website to provide some useful tips, resources and guidance to help promote mental health and wellbeing. The links are for students, parents/carers and the whole school community so please visit these pages regularly.

To help raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing in school we invited students and staff to put forward their ideas for a school wellbeing mantra. After a vote the winning mantra was revealed as:

#BeKindToYourMind

The mantra will be used across our school community going forward.