Social, emotional and mental health difficulties

Children and young people presenting with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties often struggle to manage their emotions and behaviour. They also find it difficult to build relationships with adults and other children.

These difficulties may present as them becoming withdrawn or isolated as well as through challenging, disruptive or other concerning behaviour. Children and young people with SEMH often struggle to engage in a learning environment, often showing inappropriate behaviour and may benefit from additional support. This can negatively impact on their health, well-being and their quality of life. For some children, SEMH difficulties may be related to a condition or disorder such as:

Attention, Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attachment disorder.

At RHT we follow the Thrive Approach which is a trauma-informed, whole school approach to improving the mental health and wellbeing of our children and young people. We use this alongside Emotion Coaching which helps children to become more aware of their emotions and manage their own feelings particularly during instances of misbehaviour.

Useful websites and contacts:

The Thrive Approach information on the Thrive approach to emotional wellbeing

https://www.thriveapproach.com/

Emotion Coaching uk.com information on the Emotion Coaching approach to behaviour

https://www.emotioncoachinguk.com/

Kent County Council KCC information on SEHM difficulties

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs/types-of-send/social-and-emotional-mental-health-needs#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20any%20worries,will%20be%20put%20in%20place.

Young Minds emotional health and well-being advice and support for young people www.youngminds.org.uk

Place 2 Be support to improve children’s wellbeing

https://www.place2be.org.uk/

AHA Parenting Parenting support to help you to create a more peaceful home

www.ahaparenting.com

Kent PACT (Parents and Carers Together) – a voice for parents and carers of children and young people with disabilities and additional needs aged 0-25 years living in Kent

https://kentpactnew2022.co.uk/

National Sleep Helpline a support helpline to support with sleep issues. Available 7pm and 9pm, Sunday to Thursday on 03303 530 541

https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/national-sleep-helpline/

Kooth.com designed to be used by young people when they are feeling anxious https://www.kooth.com/

Calm Harm a resource to help young people when they feel the need to harm themselves

https://calmharm.co.uk/

Holding on and letting go bereavement support for children and families

https://holdingonlettinggo.org.uk/

Winston’s Wish bereavement support

https://www.winstonswish.org/

Children’s books to support with emotions:

The Huge Bag of Worries - Virginia Ironside