Introducing Amy, our Place2Be Mental Health Practitioner
My name is Amy, I am the Place2Be Mental Health Practitioner for Ark Tindal. I am in school on Thursdays and Fridays.
Place2Be is a children's mental health charity providing school-based support to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers and school staff. My role in School is to help children and young people with their wellbeing and give them a space to talk and get things off their mind, but I also provide support to Teachers and staff, and to parents and carers too.
I support children through one-to-one counselling sessions, with parental consent, and through providing a Place2Talk at lunchtimes. In some cases, group work is also offered where is is felt children will benefit.
Place2Talk is a space that is available during Thursday and Friday lunchtimes where children can come along and talk about anything that’s on their minds. Place2Talk sessions are 15 minutes long so children won’t miss their lunch. They can come on their own, or bring up to 2 friends. Place2Talk is for all children, not just those experiencing difficulties.
Parents and carers of children and young people in Place2Be schools can access free advice, resources and services as part of our support for the whole school and Parenting Smart is a site for parents and carers of 4-11 year olds, offering practical advice on supporting your child and managing behaviour. The site has videos and articles on a range of topics and is free to access at Place2Be: Parenting Smart: Articles
We also have a family practitioner who can offer interventions for children and parents/carers where it is felt this may be of benefit – again with parental consent.
By helping children to find ways of coping with difficulties, we enable them to focus on their learning and social development. Offering this support in School can provide greater ease of access, in an environment where they feel comfortable, and can minimise disruption to learning and School attendance.
If you have any questions or want to talk to me about any aspect of this, I am available at the start and end of the School day as I will be on the gate/in the playground at those times, so do feel free to approach me.
